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An Under the Radar Mets Third Base Target

The New York Mets planned for a youth movement at third base next season, with most reps being split between Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, and Ronny Mauricio. Many expected Mauricio to establish himself this season as the best long-term option. However, that’s no longer a possibility, as he will miss most of the year with a torn ACL.

Despite Mauricio’s injury, Baty or Vientos, former top picks with high offensive potential, will still have the opportunity to claim the third base job in 2024 and beyond. Plus, the Mets have other options on the roster, like Joey Wendle and Jeff McNeil, that can fill in.

Despite that foursome, New York would benefit from one more option on the depth chart. Like Justin Turner, the Mets have been linked to right-handed hitters on short-term deals. Three of the four options above hit lefty, and the team will likely want the position available for a youngster to claim long-term.

Turner might be the best fit for the squad since the free-agent market isn’t too strong. While third base isn’t the biggest need in Queens, David Stearns must flex his creativity to support the youngsters and solidify the roster. He needs to look all over for this potential addition and consider players whose names haven’t been mentioned much this winter. Specifically, Yoan Moncada is an under-the-radar Mets third-base target that greatly fits the 2024 squad.

Under the Radar Mets Third Base Target

Yoan Moncada

Moncada is an expensive, high-ceiling player coming off a poor season. The Mets are a very rich team in a position to take flyers on players. The White Sox would love to move on from Moncada, and the Mets could make a solid trade partner.

The former top prospect dealt with injuries last year and throughout his career. In 92 games in 2023, Moncada slashed .260/.305/.425 with 11 home runs, 40 RBIs, and bad strikeout and walk rates. Additionally, while defensive metrics didn’t love his defensive play last season, many view Moncada as solid with the glove. His, I can’t see too good. His athleticism makes him a candidate to bounce around the diamond next year, according to White Sox GM Chris Getz.

“He’s a very good athlete, he is,” said Getz. “And if that means we need to have Yoán be more versatile to help our lineup on a nightly basis, you do that.”

While there’s a lot to like about the player, Moncada is a polarizing, underachieving player on a disappointing roster that needs to be shaken up. Earlier this offseason, Getz said he didn’t like his roster. If the right deal presents itself, Chicago likely would jump on the opportunity to move Moncada and his contract. He will earn $25 million in 2024 and has a $25 million team option for 2025 (with a $5 million buyout).

A potential Moncada trade would play out as a salary dump, with New York taking on a lot of the salary and not giving up much in player capital. This trade structure is a perfect avenue for Moncada to be a Mets third base target.

What Does Moncada Provide to the Mets?

First and foremost, Moncada fits what the team is looking for. While he bats from both sides, he produced better numbers (per metrics like wRC+) as a righty last year. Plus, his one guaranteed year and the $5 million buyout means little to the Mets. If Baty or Vientos earn everyday at-bats, Moncada’s deal won’t get in their way.

With that covered, the Mets can target Moncada and dream of his potential. He’s a prime candidate to benefit from financial motivation and a change of scenery. If he has a good 2024, he can lock in a $25 million 2025 salary or potentially earn more on the open market. For the Mets, a productive Moncada can be essential to a Wild Card-contending team.

On the other hand, the Mets might not make the playoffs, even with a bounce-back year from Moncada. Since the organizational focus i. on 2025 and beyond, the Mets can benefit from trading Moncada at the deadline. He likely would represent one of the better options available and could bring the Mets a nice package.

Spending money this offseason does not scare the Mets. But they will likely focus on short-term deals that can get moved at the deadline, as seen with Luis Severino. Even if Moncada hits around league average, the Mets would likely fetch an intriguing package for him, assuming they eat money on his deal.

Stearns must target players that only cost money to acquire and project as trade options that will import pieces of the next great Mets teams. Moncada is that type of player and must be a Mets third base target.

What Moncada Provides

Moncada makes solid contact in his best years with decent walk rates and some power. Unlike teams led by Stearns, the White Sox aren’t known for getting the best out of players. Moncada has a pedigree as a former top prospect and main target in a blockbuster trade. The Mets can dream that Moncada, motivated by money and energized by a new team, can put all his tools together under the new guidance.

New York has a solid position player core, meaning Moncada won’t need to play the starring role. He needs to lengthen the lineup and provide solid production. The Mets should benefit greatly from Moncada providing league-average offense. The heavy offensive load should fall on Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and McNeil. That core wasn’t perfect last season. However, the Mets suffered below-average offense from other spots in the lineup (including third base).

Additionally, Moncada fits well with the Mets’ current roster flexibility. Despite mainly playing third base, he can shift to second if Baty or Vientos earn playing time at the hot corner. At this point, McNeil can shift to the left. Or, perhaps the Mets use Moncada’s athleticism and play him in left, as mentioned by Getz. Considering that the DH spot is now open, Moncada allows the Mets to get creative when loading the lineup with hot bats.

Yoan Moncada is a Perfect Target for the 2024 Mets

The Mets can legitimately use Moncada on the 2024 team. Even better, he fits the type of player (short-term right-handed bat) Stearns wants to acquire. While most focus on other options, Moncada represents an under-the-radar Mets third base target that will make a difference. Considering the state of the organization, Stearns must make low-risk, high-reward moves on players like Moncada right now.

Main Photo Credits: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Giglio

Ryan Giglio

A passionate sports fan all his life, he became a writer for Last Word on Sports in 2023. His favorite teams are the Mets, Nets, NY Giants and Jets.

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