There are rumors that the Mets would like to add an outfielder, but Adam Duvall’s name isn’t being mentioned.
The latest rumors surrounding the New York Mets have given us a sneak peek at David Stearns’ plans for this team. There have been two outfielders mentioned. The Mets are reportedly targeting Jung Hoo Lee and Michael A. Taylor.
This is especially intriguing because it didn’t seem like the Mets were planning to add a center fielder. It appeared the team had secured the position for at least a few more seasons after signing Brandon Nimmo to a long and expensive contract last offseason.
Nimmo’s poor defensive season may have already caused them to change their minds. They appear to be set on upgrading to center field, despite earlier reports that they were interested in trading for Manuel Margot. Why, therefore, have we heard nothing at all about Adam Duvall?
The Mets may feel that Adam Duvall’s defense is insufficient for what they want to add.
In 2021, Duvall did win a Gold Glove, but he did so after primarily playing in the corner outfield positions. While he hasn’t exactly excelled defensively, he does seem most suited to handle a corner spot, much like Nimmo and even Starling Marte, who at first seemed to be able to compete for a few innings at the position.
At the plate, where Duvall thrives most, he typically possesses some underappreciated power. Duvall had the most RBI in the National League in the year he was awarded a Gold Glove, with 113. It was mostly due to the 38 home runs he hit.
For many years, Duvall has been a very good power hitter in the background. He occasionally vanishes in other places, which is a problem. He won’t stop himself from striking out and doesn’t draw many walks. His.247/.303/.531 slash line from the previous season was better than anticipated, but it was during a year in which he missed nearly half of it due to injury. He only made 353 plate appearances, but he still blasted 21 home runs and drove in 58 runs.
Duvall doesn’t appear to be the Mets’ best option over Taylor or Lee. Instead, Duvall is an extra choice for them. He seems to fit in as a less expensive option for New York and as a possible DH as well.
Due to his 2022 injuries, Duvall agreed to a $7 million one-year contract with the Red Sox last year. The market should be similar at 35 and coming off of a season where he missed a lot of games, if not slightly more to account for inflation and the rising cost of even something as basic as Saltines.