New York Mets: 6 Options To Replace Lucas Duda
People will see this name and wonder who he is, and that makes sense because Solarte is not currently on the Mets. He is not even on the roster, as he is currently a member of the San Diego Padres. But, he is someone that Gary Cohen mentioned during a telecast this weekend, and he would be a great fit for the Mets.
Solarte just came off the DL, but could fill a lot of holes for the Mets. He could handle first base while Duda, is sidelined, as he has played 219 innings there in his MLB career. But, once Duda returns, he would give the Mets the left-handed bat off the bench they desperately need, as he is a switch hitter. He also brings versatility, as he can play third base and second base and has experience at shortstop and left field as well.
Solarte was traded to the Padres as part of the deal that landed Chase Headley with the New York Yankees, so he knows what it takes to play in New York. Not only that, he has proven he can be a capable producer.
Last season he hit 14 home runs with 63 RBI, slashing .270/.320/.428. He makes solid contact, as he struck out only 56 times in 571 plate appearances. Those are solid numbers for someone who plays half their season at the pitcher’s haven of Petco Park. While Citi Field isn’t much of a hitter’s park either, there aren’t many tougher places on hitter’s than the Padres’ home field.
While there is no known interest in Solarte from the Mets, or if the Padres want to even trade him, he is someone they should at least check in on. He does not have a position to play everyday with the Padres, and would be a solid piece for the Mets to add as a fill in for Duda and as another super sub option alongside Flores. The Mets may quickly figure out they need outside help if they are not going to consider one of the next two options for the time being.
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