5 Infielders New York Mets Should Consider After Missing On Ben Zobrist

By Bryan Zarpentine

5 Infielders New York Mets Should Consider After Missing On Ben Zobrist

Sandy Alderson Citi Field Dimensions — Losing out on signing Ben Zobrist was a big blow to the New York Mets, but it’s not the end of the world. The Mets don’t need to commit four years and $ 56 million to find an infielder with versatility. They won’t get one the same caliber of Zobrist, but that doesn’t mean they can’t find a player who’s a better fit for them. With Zobrist off the board, here are five infielders New York should consider signing this offseason.

5. Daniel Murphy

Daniel Murphy World Series Error

5. Daniel Murphy

Daniel Murphy World Series Error — The Mets shouldn't be rushing to bring Murphy back in light of losing Zobrist, but if his market falls apart and he's willing to take a one or two-year contract, it could be worthwhile to entertain. Murphy could be a placeholder at second base in case Dilson Herrera isn't ready for opening day. At the same time, he'd be an excellent backup for David Wright at third base just in case Wright has another long DL stint due to his back injury.

4. Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson Baltimore Orioles

4. Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson Baltimore Orioles — Johnson was a nice addition for the Mets last summer, and he wouldn't be a bad player to bring back. He could back up Wright at third and also split time at second base with Herrera if necessary. Johnson could even play in the outfield if needed, making him a versatile bench piece for manager Terry Collins. In a lot of ways, Johnson is the poor man's Ben Zobrist and not such a terrible option for New York.

3. Juan Uribe

Juan Uribe

3. Juan Uribe

Juan Uribe — For the most part, Uribe would be insurance for Wright, which isn't a bad thing to have. With Uribe on board, the Mets could give Wright plenty of rest during the season, knowing they have a capable short-term replacement for him. Uribe is a professional hitter, a great clubhouse leader and would be an asset coming off New York's bench.

2. Asdrubal Cabrera

Asdrubal Cabrera by Kim Klement

2. Asdrubal Cabrera

Asdrubal Cabrera by Kim Klement — There has been some talk linking the Mets to Cabrera, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him sign with New York this offseason. Cabrera can play both shortstop and second base, so he would provide some versatility and at least give the Mets options with how to divide playing time in the middle infield. He wouldn't be an impact player, but he's solid enough defensively and a productive enough hitter to make him a solid pickup for the Mets.

1. Ian Desmond

Washington Nationals SS Ian Desmond Is Costing Himself An Enormous Contract

1. Ian Desmond

Washington Nationals SS Ian Desmond Is Costing Himself An Enormous Contract — Desmond is coming off a poor season offensively and his defense is somewhat in question, but if he were willing to accept a two-year deal, three years at most, the Mets would be fools not to consider signing him. He's capable of being a much better hitter than he showed last year, and playing him at shortstop every day would certainly clear things up in their middle infield, as well as give New York another potent bat in the lineup.

Teams in this article »

New York Mets

Share On Facebook

Share