New York Mets trade of Juan Lagares looking more likely
By David Hill
New York Mets outfielder Juan Lagares has been the subject of trade rumors for quite some time. That trade may finally be on the horizon.
At one time, Juan Lagares appeared to be a key part of the New York Mets future. A brilliant defensive center fielder, he won the Gold Glove in 2014, saving 13 runs while leading National League outfielders in range factor. He also had a relatively strong season at the plate, producing a .281/.321/.382 batting line, hitting 24 doubles and stealing 13 bases. While those numbers may not have been stellar, it was a season to build off of for the then 24 year old.
However, those expected improvements did not happen. He struggled in 2015, posting a .259/.289/.358 batting line. His six homers were a career best, but he struggled in every other aspect. He even fell back a bit defensively, giving the Mets little reason to keep him in the lineup. Even though he had signed a five year extension worth $23.03 million after his breakout sophomore campaign, Lagares has served as the Mets fourth outfielder since his struggles in 2015.
Even though his bat has not displayed the improvement one would have hoped for, his defensive prowess is still enticing for other team. Understandably, the Mets have been contacted about Lagares, only to have those trade efforts rebuffed. However, momentum may be building towards a trade, allowing Lagares to move to a team where he could get more playing time.
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Obviously, there are concerns with such a trade. The Mets are relatively thin in the outfield, especially given the injury history of Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo. However, with Nimmo playing well during Spring Training, and the return of Jay Bruce, Lagares may not be impossible to move at this point. However, even with Conforto expected back around the first of May, it is thought that the Mets would want a fourth outfielder type in any possible trades.
A potential trade for Lagares could also hlep fill other holes on the roster. The Mets could still use another solid arm in the bullpen, or depth to their starting rotation. Although Lagares is not a superstar by any means, the value that he can produce with his glove might allow the Mets to fill in a couple of holes.
It is also possible that Lagares could thrive in a new environment. He is working on a retooled swing during Spring Training, although the results thus far are hardly indicative of progress. However, on a team that focuses on defense and a contact oriented approach at the plate, Lagares may be able to be the player he can become.
Next: Mets 2018 season preview
The New York Mets are starting to listen on center fielder Juan Lagares. Although nothing is imminent, that speculated trade may happen.