Is Luis Guillorme Hearing Footsteps?
Everybody loves Luis Guillorme's defensive wizardry, fielding balls and even bats.
He also gets on base a good amount.
But he has 39 career RBIs in over 700 plate appearances.
335 plate appearances in 2023, most likely to dwindle a lot with both Lindor and Correa in the fold.
And no LG power, let's be honest. All of 4 HRs in 614 MLB PAs.
OK, the table has been set...
You're the GM...
Is Luis a keeper? For part of 2023? All of 2023? For 2024?
You do, after all, have Lindor AND Correa to co-dazzle on defense, lessening the need for Luis' dazzle.
Luis, per Fangraphs, should (deservedly) make $1.5 million in 2023, perhaps double that amount in 2024.
Would you plan on keeping him on the Mets? If so, for how long?
If you were the GM, would you (for instance) plan to give Ronny Mauricio games at 3rd (where he played in winter ball), 2B, and the outfield, play Ronny half a season in AAA, then call him up and trade Luis?
After all, Ronny, in 170 games in AA and winter Caribbean ball, dove in 120 runs, stole 30 bags, had 31 HRs and 45 doubles and triples. He still doesn't walk much but that is showing some improvement. Defense still needs work, but he was improving late in 2022.
MVP of the winter league, no small feat.
How close, exactly, is he, if he can win the MVP? He is 6'3, 225 now, not the gangly stick figure he was when he was signed at age 16.
Big Ronny Mo strides in 2022, likely more big strides in 2023.
If not a Guillorme replacement in 2023, what about R Mo crowding out Luis in 2024?
Imagine that power Mauricio bat being added to the Mets roster and imagine who might lose ABs as a result. I am guessing the powerless Luis.
And Wyatt Young? Could he turn into Luis 2.0?
What say you, Mr. GM?
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ReplyDeleteI rather have Luis defense wherever you put him and his at bats work the count so everyone can see what the pitcher is doing,he racks up the pitch count like nobody else.I keep batman and try Maurice in left or package him to get Armstrong back from the Cubs.We should add some pop with Correa and Alvarez.It's something to think about for sure and I can see the argument to both sides.I just don't want swing and miss guys,rather have a guy that can fouloff 20 pitches and drive a pitcher nuts.
ReplyDeleteRene, great perspective, and as far as Crow is concerned, I broach that question on Thursday here. Keep reading and commenting.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is Mauricio's future is on second .
ReplyDeleteLuis will remain UT1
Rene, it is also interesting to me on the possibility of Wyatt Young over Guillorme in 2024, because Luis will be climbing that salary ladder in 2023 into 2024.
ReplyDeleteYoung will have to show that 2022 was no fluke, but his offense was similar to Luis (a bit more pop) and his defense was very solid. But in 2024 he would be minimum wage. Since the difference in salary in 2024 between Luis and Wyatt could be about $2 million, add in the lux tax and the difference becomes $4 million. It's a bottom line game.
Interestingly, I still do not see Young list in the Mets top 30 (he's in mine) but in a recent MLB article, Wyatt Young is listed as the Mets top prospect at 2nd base. So he is on the radar screen as a utility IF.
Mack, we will see how the wheels turn - starting with that kid from Correa.
ReplyDeleteChick Correa was quite the musician in his day.
Horses for courses. Guillorme's roster spot is a very specific role. He's been shoehorned into that spot for better or worse because of his perceived ceiling. Mauricio has a (potentially) much higher ceiling and until he proves otherwise has to play every day. I think its apples to oranges to compare them at this point because they are two very different players.
ReplyDeleteLove Guillormes glove,play him at second,McNeil in LF. Lefty pitches McNeil on second. Mauricio plays the OF,Baty too.
ReplyDeleteMany different views on Luis. Like it or not, he has to constantly prove himself to stay on this team, especially if Correa gives them 2 Gold Glove shortstops. If that happens, his defensive acumen becomes less vital to the Mets.
ReplyDeleteLuis has about as much speed and power as me, but his hands are golden, he does all the little things well, he backs up 3 positions, and he can provide a tough AB without playing daily. That's pretty much the textbook definition of Mack's UT1.
ReplyDeleteLuis Guillorme has earned his spot with the Mets. Mauricio and Young are good, talented prospects but that is what they still are. They have to earn it. Until then, Guillorme is UT1 and we will need him because injuries happen. Buck likes to rotate players to rest them (except Francisco Lindor), so we need utility players to step in. Mendick is unproven.
ReplyDeleteGold Glove defense, yes..works his counts, yes...
ReplyDeletePower, no...run production, no...speed, no...
The price is reasonable but I think you need to feel what others are willing to offer. If someone thinks he is a starter for them they may overpay a bit and I would have to hear the offer.
I'm leaving out his personal affront to me when I attempted to interview him when he was in AAA playing in El Paso...quality player with limitations, worth the $1.5 million range to keep around, but he's not untouchable by any means.
I'd move LG if Young is ready to step up. I like the idea of becoming Younger and cheaper.
ReplyDeleteWhy cheaper?
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