The New York Mets are acquiring center fielder Jake Marisnick from the Houston Astros for a pair of prospects, according to multiple reports.
The acquisition supplies the Mets with some much-needed center-field competence. However, the 28-year-old provides a similar skill set to that of Juan Lagares — who was let go by the Mets this offseason after seven seasons with the organization.
Marisnick brings a strong defensive glove to Queens — which seemed to be the Mets’ top priority — posting a combined 17 defensive runs saved over the past two seasons.
His right-handed bat doesn’t offer much more than what Lagares was bringing to the table, but Marisnick offers some more power at the position. He slashed .233/.289/.411 with 10 home runs and 34 RBI in 292 at-bats last season.
The Mets are currently loaded with left-handed outfielders that naturally play in the corners. Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto, Jeff McNeil, and Dominic Smith are average (to put it nicely) defensively with the former two being borderline liabilities when called upon to play center field.
Marisnick’s presence offers a sizable defensive upgrade while not threatening to take at-bats away from Nimmo — who spent 43 of his 69 games in 2019 as a centerfielder.
His postseason experience is also a plus as he’s been a part of three playoff teams in Houston. Granted, their legitimacy has fallen into question since their sign-stealing scandal rocked Major League Baseball.
Regardless, Marisnick has performed well in October, slashing .333/.364/.381 in 23 career postseason games.
He is expected to make an estimated $3 million on a one-year deal with the Mets, per Spotrac.
The Mets did have to part ways with two younger players in left-handed pitcher Blake Taylor and outfielder Kenedy Corona. Neither players are ranked within the organization’s top-30 list of prospects, per MLB Pipeline.
