The New York Mets have finally found their new center fielder after signing Albert Almora Jr. Contract details are still unknown and the deal is pending a physical. Ken Rosenthal first broke the news.
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
Heading into this offseason, centerfield was arguably the greatest need for the Mets. What wasn’t certain, however, was how the the team would go about filling this need. While New York could have continued to pursue an everyday option, even after losing out on George Springer, it instead looks like the team will be going with Almora as a right handed platoon bat.
Almora first came into the league as a highly touted prospect in 2016. Though things never fully clicked for him in five seasons with the Chicago Cubs, he has shown plenty of promise. Despite slashing just .271/.309/.398 with an 84 OPS+ in that span, he has Gold Glove potential in center. He currently owns 6 DRS and 1.1 UZR in just over 2600 innings in center field. His best year came in 2018 when he accumulated an elite 10 DRS in just over 900 innings of work.
Expect Almora to split time with Brandon Nimmo, likely gaining starts against lefty starters and coming in as a late-game defensive switch.
Featured Image Courtesy of Christian Petersen/Getty Images
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