New York Mets Miss Out On Denard Span
The New York Mets saw another potential outfield option go off the board today, as Denard Span signed with the San Francisco Giants.
The New York Mets had a clear need in the outfield with Yoenis Cespedes not being brought back. After upgrading their middle infield and pitching staff early in the process, the Mets were moving on to addressing the outfield.
Originally it seemed as though the Mets would be targeting former Washington Nationals centerfielder Denard Span. Span was waiting to sign though as he put on a showcase to show that he was healthy after playing in only 61 games last season because of a hip issue. That was part of the reason that the Mets decided to sign outfeilder Alejandro De Aza to help platoon with Juan Lagares.
Span would have been a perfect platoon partner with Lagares, as he hits right-handed pitchers well while Larages hits lefties. Span is also a superior fielder to De Aza. But, that is something the Mets will not be seeing this season, as Span agreed to a contract with the San Francisco Giants Thursday.
Giants are nearing a deal with denard span, sources say
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 7, 2016
Span deal is $31 million.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) January 7, 2016
Span gets $10.33 million per season. A $31 million guarantee. Plus performance bonuses.
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) January 7, 2016
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Span received a three-year deal from the Giants that is worth $31 million. That is exactly what Span was looking for a the onset of the offseason, as his agent, Scott Boras, said that was the goal for his client. Like many times in the past, Boras got exactly what he said for his client.
Span continues what has been a pretty busy offseason for the Giants. Span is the third player to receive a multi-year contract from the Giants, as they also upgraded their pitching staff with the signings of Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija.
With Span now in the fold, the Giants have a multitude of options to use in the outfield. Span has spent most of his career in centerfield, but could also find playing time in left field with Angel Pagan in center. The Giants also have Gregor Blanco that can play both positions, while Hunter Pence should get the bulk of the playing time in right field.
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It is a good strategy for the Giants to cover their bases, as Span, Pagan and Pence all missed time with injuries last season. The Mets also come out of this situation as winners as well. They may have missed out on Span, but the Washington Nationals also will be without him. That is as much of a win as any, as the Nationals were a much better team with Span on the field and will now have to replace him.