Ken Rosenthal reports that the Mets have signed OF Albert Almora. Almora had a great 2018 but struggled offensively AND defensively in 2019 and 2020.
The Mets have found their center fielder. They are in agreement with free agent Albert Almora Jr. , pending a physical, sources tell me and @ByMcCullough
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 7, 2021
Per @Ken_Rosenthal - the #Mets have agreed to sign Albert Almora. He has a .734 OPS in his career vs LHP.
— Michael Baron (@michaelgbaron) February 7, 2021
He is a good CF’er, but really isn’t a starting player - he’s more of a backup.
I can’t imagine this move changes a lot for them at this point in time.
I think the signing of Albert Almora impacts the back end of the roster more than Brandon Nimmo right now.
— Michael Baron (@michaelgbaron) February 7, 2021
Guillermo Heredia would appear to now be on the bubble, logically anyway. #Mets
He went from +10 RDRS in 2018 to -5 in 2019 to 0 in 2020. The Cubs benched him in favor of Billy Hamilton at the end of the year.
Per Cubshq.com: "It was in 2019 when the wheels bagan to fall off for Almora...Upon hitting a two-year girl in the seats, Almora was emptionally shaken. You could see it in his eyes and knew something wasn't right...Along with declining offense, his defense began to suffer slightly, also taking what made him as asset and turning him into one of the most prominent question marks overall on the roster.
Hitting Stats:
Fielding Stats:
Would love to see Justin Turner as a Met for a year or two. The guy can still really thump. This move makes a lot more sense than a JBJ without the DH. They can focus on a real CF next year.
ReplyDeleteGreat move. I’m a happy camper this morning. Defensively he will be great for the money and his offense hopefully can turn a corner with a change of scenery.
ReplyDeleteRandom thoughts . .
ReplyDeleteThis move makes me think there is something else in the works for either another starting pitcher or a third baseman.
It's a real shame that they still haven't established the DH question.
I am not really in favor of signing Turner. Overall, I just don't think it makes a lot of sense to sign free agents that are over 35 years old for starting positions.
At least they didn't give up players to trade for Kiermaier.
I forgot about Almora’s hitting the little girl. Maybe he just needs to get out of Chicago?
ReplyDeleteAlmora seems to be a good signing - he can start against lefties, giving Smith, Nimmo, and Conforto an occasional blow, and be a late inning D replacement. .280/.332/.402 split career vs. lefties. Very young - hopefully a change of scenery will get him going.
ReplyDeleteIf Nimmo wants to play 150 games, just gotta up his defensive game. May never be a great CF, but he can be better.
Gus - I hope a change of scenery is all he needs. You would think Joe Madden would know him best yet the Angels signed Juan Lagares instead of signing Almora. Maybe that says something, maybe not.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather have the superior offense of Nimmo and defensive complement to Nimmo of Almora over a 4 year JB Jr, and spend for PITCHING.
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere else that Chili Davis may have been his hitting coach when he did have some good offensive numbers. So maybe that reunion could help a bit?
ReplyDeleteI like Turner on a 2 year 26 mil deal, not more. If we can get him and also keep JD that may be a good thing as well. Stronger bench and gives Turner some rest to keep his older bones sturdy? Hehe
I still hold out hope for that Suarez and Castillo/Gray trade bring a real thing?
Yea, I just commented on another site about Davis being his hitting coach from 2016 to 2018 which were his best years. It almost looks like he changed his approach to try to gain power in 2019 - homers were, but overall line was down. Get back to what he does best and hopefully the reunion with Davis will help.
ReplyDeleteStill not a fan of Suarez. Davis is just as good for now. Even with last year, perhaps either Mauricio or Vientos can be fast tracked a bit this year.
Lastly, for Dallas's comment above - focus on a real CF next year. Looking at the 2022 FA list, it is really thin on outfielders. Perhaps a trade, but at this point Bradley is by far the best centerfielder on the list for at least this year and next. Perhaps PCA by opening day 2024??
I thought about the Chili Davis connection there. I'm still not clearing room on my schedule for the Almora presser. Wish they could play Almora in the OF and have Nimmo take the at-bats. Overall, an okay "frozen foods aisle" type of player.
ReplyDeleteUnless the Dodgers do not offer Turner a deal, he will stay in LA. Any other thought is ludicrous. The Mets would be used the same way Bauer used them. To jack up the offer.
Bob W