Empire Writes Back
Fansided

Early Predictions for the 2018 New York Mets Lineup

By Nolan Rich

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 15: Manager Terry Collins of the New York Mets watches from the dugout during the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 15, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. All uniformed team members are wearing jersey number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 15: Manager Terry Collins of the New York Mets watches from the dugout during the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 15, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. All uniformed team members are wearing jersey number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JULY 22: Wilmer Flores (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 22: Wilmer Flores (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Third Base: Wilmer Flores

Now I know that when you read this slide there are multiple reactions to this selection but let me first get to the three most common “what about?” reactions to this selection.

What about David Wright? Mets fans love David Wright and as much as people are hoping that he can return to being the everyday third baseman, the harsh reality is that is not going to happen.

Wright will be 35 next season, he has a condition of spinal stenosis that is only going to get worse, and he hasn’t played a single game in 2017. With no timetable set for his return and the fact that Wright has played in just 75 total games over the past three seasons, the Mets need to move on from believing Wright will be a full-time starter ever again.

Mike Moustakas? The 28-year-old is having the best season of his career and will be one of, if not the top free agent on the market this offseason. With a massive paycheck that will in all likelihood be over $200 million, the Mets don’t have the salary cap to afford Moustakas, especially since they are still on the hook for $20 million of Wright’s contract next season.

There is no way a team can pay well over $ 40 million to two players at the same infield position and be successful.

Cabrera? While you could in essence flip-flop the positions of Cabrera and Flores, and the team has that flexibility, Flores is a natural third baseman and it is the position he has played the most in his career. While Cabrera’s range is limited, it is better suited for second than Flores’ range and he’s played the middle infield at shortstop for his entire career.

With a full season, Flores could easily be another 20-25 home run guy. There are free agents the Mets could pursue such as Mark Reynolds and Todd Frazier. However, Flores’ production is on par or better than these players in some cases.

Over the past few seasons, Flores has proven he can be a reliable bat in the Mets lineup and it’s time to give him a full-time opportunity.

From a production, age, and contract stand point, Flores is the New York Mets’ best option to be the starting third baseman next season.

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