Reese Kaplan -- Infield Free Agent Options to Consider

While many people implore me to hypothesize about trades the team could make to improve the roster, but until we learn who is in the existing inventory of available ballplayers and who other teams have deemed trade worthy that’s an exercise in conjecture and futility.  Instead, let’s take a first glance at available infield free agents who may or may not be good fits for the Mets. 

At first base there may or may not be a gaping hole needing to be filled.  While all kinds of names have come and gone seeking to find a replacement, it really comes down to just two available names.

The Seattle Mariners’ first baseman Josh Naylor is hitting for power and stealing bases while earning very little money.  He finished the season batting .295 with 20 HRs and 30 SBs.  It’s a very different profile than what the Mets have gotten from Pete Alonso, but the Polar Bear is looking to make close to $30 million per year for now allegedly 7 years.  Naylor’s current pay rate is $10.9 million.  Say he got $16 million over 4 years.  That’s a $64 million obligation versus one for $210 million.  Hmmn...

I’ve already mentioned very high average hitter Luis Arraez who has played all around the infield but currently is slated at first base.  This season he led the league in hits, batted for him a lowly .292 after maintaining a career average of .317.  He doesn’t hit for much power but he would be a great player to have near the top of the lineup to get on base frequently for the middle of the order hitters.  He currently earns $14 million and likely won’t see a significant increase.

Second base is a crowded traffic jam for the Mets with Jeff McNeil, Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuna candidates along with Jett Williams in the minors.  Still, there are some players worth exploring.

Tampa’s Brandon Lowe has twice eclipsed the 30 HR mark (including this past season).  He’s not a high average hitter, but that kind of power out of a second baseman is not that common.  He earned $10.5 million last year and goes up another million or gets paid a buyout.  Time will tell after the World Series ends.

Jorge Polanco will turn 32 in 2026 but is coming off a 26 HR season for the Mariners.  He averages 23 HRs per season and has a career .263 batting average.  He earned $7 million this past year and his employer has an option or a buyout available.  Another one to watch after the World Series.

One player who would be a nice jab at the hated Braves is Ozzie Albies.  The turning 29 infielder averages 25 HRs and 92 RBIs to go along with 15 SBs and a .266 batting average.  His ending salary with Atlanta is $7 million.  He’d look very nice at second base and could be productive for several more years. 

At shortstop the Mets are already well occupied with Francisco Lindor but as already covered in the past the Blue Jays Bo Bichette is a VERY attractive option to insert at 2B or 3B.  His pay rate is not terrible and even with a nice increase he’d still be a 1/3 cheaper than Lindor.

Another former Yankee who could help the club at 3B is Miguel Andujar.  He’s a bit of an on again/off again offensive contributor with a .282 career batting average to go along with 18 HRs and 72 RBIs in a typical year.  For this kind of output he only earned $3 million last year.  How would he be as a Mark Vientos replacement?  By the way, he’s also had extensive time in left field.