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New York Mets Lose Arbitration Case Against Wilmer Flores

By Kenneth Teape

Aug 31, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets third baseman Wilmer Flores (4) reacts on his way to the dugout after hitting a two run home run in the second inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets third baseman Wilmer Flores (4) reacts on his way to the dugout after hitting a two run home run in the second inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Mets lost an arbitration case for the first time since 2008, as Wilmer Flores was awarded his asking price.

The New York Mets had 10 players that were arbitration eligible this season. Nine of the 10 settled outside of arbitration for a total of $36.7 million. The only player to not settle outside of going to court was Wilmer Flores.

The Mets’ super utility man submitted an amount of $2.2 million, while the Mets submitted $1.8 million. The difference wasn’t too big, but they two sides were unable to agree to a contract and went to arbitration earlier this week.

The Mets would be defeated by Flores in the hearing. Flores was awarded the $2.2 million that he submitted and will play the 2017 season under that contract.

The news was first broken by Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

It is quite a raise for Flores, who made just over $526,000 last season. This was Flores first taste of the arbitration process, as he will be eligible again in 2018 and 2019.

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This was the first time that the Mets lost an arbitration case since 2008. Oliver Perez defeated the Mets that time around, as he was awarded the $6.5 million he asked for instead of the Mets’ offer of $4.7 million.

Flores was the fifth player to have his case heard thus far. 14 players are remaining to have hearings, as the hearings will run through February 17th.

Teams are now 3-2 going into arbitration this year, as Khris Davis defeated the Oakland Athletics as well. Shelby Miller lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Fernando Abad lost to the Boston Red Sox and Caleb Joseph lost to the Baltimore Orioles.

Flores had a strong 2016 season and earned the $2.2 million that he asked for. He has become a super utility player for the Mets. He opened the season as the backup first baseman but ended up playing all four infield positions throughout the season. He filled in at third base when David Wright was injured and played in the middle infield because of other injuries as well.

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In 307 at-bats, Flores slashed .267/.319/.469. The on-base percentage and slugging percentage were career-highs, as Flores tied his career-high with 16 home runs. He also set a career-high with 23 walks despite receiving 176 fewer at-bats in 2016 compared to 2015.

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