New York Mets: Curtis Granderson Solidifies The Outfield

Anthony Gruppuso – USATODAY Sports

The New York Mets entered the MLB offseason knowing they needed to add at least one, but probably two, outfielders to their roster. The signing of Chris Young was an underwhelming way to begin the offseason, but following the signing of Curtis Granderson, the Mets have solidified their outfield and won’t be required to make any more moves at that position, although they could.

Granderson will likely slide in as the every day left fielder for the Mets, which will give them plenty of speed defensively at that position, much like they had in 2013 with Eric Young Jr., while at the same time, they can hide Granderson’s weak arm. Although Young Jr. was a Gold Glove finalist this year, Granderson should not be much of a step down defensively, while adding much-needed power to the middle of the Mets’ lineup.

Granderson goes to left field so that the newly acquired Young will play right field, as he is a better defensive player than Granderson. The Mets should be a bit skeptical of Young, and considering he had career lows in several major statistical categories last year, if the Mets are going to add another outfielder this offseason, it will be someone that can platoon with Young.

Juan Lagares will remain in center field as long as he can hit an acceptable amount, but considering his exceptional defensive abilities, it would take a massive slump to get him out of the lineup. He will be unaffected by the addition of Granderson unless Granderson proves troublesome in left field and forces Lagares to cover more ground, which he’s capable of doing.

For the moment, Young Jr. is projected to be the fourth outfielder, as he’s capable of playing each outfield position. Of course, now that the Mets have all three outfield spots filled, they can easily move Young Jr. to second base and look to trade Daniel Murphy.

If the Mets need any further help in the outfield, they have Matt den Dekker, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Andrew Brown on their roster, all of who are capable of filling roles on the Mets’ bench. The Mets also have Cesar Puello and several other prospects that could contribute at some point in the season.

While the Mets could look to acquire more outfield help, the addition of Granderson should solidify them at that position. The signing of Granderson means that they can move on from their outfield needs and focus on all of their other offseason priorities.

Bryan Zarpentine is a New York Mets writer at www.RantSports.com. Like him on Facebook, follow him on twitter @BZarp and add him on Google.