New York Mets in rumored war with Yankees for Josh Harrison

The New York Mets are looking for a second baseman but may have to go through the Yankees to get him.

Second base is one of the many positions the New York Mets are trying to fill prior to the 2018 season. They have been linked to a reunion with Neil Walker, but that is being called unlikely. We have all seen Jose Reyes play second base, we hope we never have to see it again. Amed Rosario will not be moved as he is the future at shortstop. So who could be next?

It seems as if the Mets may be fighting it out with their cross-town rivals to acquire one, (via NJ.com):

"Several teams have inquired about infielder Josh Harrison, according to industry sources, as Pirates management mulls ways to retool the roster for 2018 and beyond.Harrison has been targeted by the New York Yankees, who also are interested in pitcher Gerrit Cole. The New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays are among a handful of other clubs that have contacted the Pirates about Harrison’s availability. Harrison, 30, will make $10.25 million next season. His contract has club options for 2019 ($10.5 million) and 2020 ($11.5 million)."

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That works out to approximately 32 million over the next three seasons. The price becomes the great equalizer here. The Mets are looking to cut costs while the Yankees are looking to spend. However, the term “bargain” speaks to all scenarios. Any team will take a bargain which is why the Mets and Yankees can duel it out here.

Now we take a look at the player from a Mets perspective as to whether or not they would be a good fit.

In seven years, Harrison has been selected to the All-Star game twice, in 2014 and last season. He posted a career-high batting average in 2014 of .315 to go along with 13 home runs and 52 RBI. Last season he hit 16 home runs and drove in 47 runs. He hit .272.

Right in the prime of his career (turning 31 in July), Harrison has been a ,985 fielder at second base throughout his career. He is also fast, stealing 72 bases in 99 tries in his seven-year career (72.7%). For his career Harrison is a .281 hitter.

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Josh Harrison would be an excellent addition to the Mets. He would come cheap so he is in play even though the Yankees are also. He would round out the infield rather nicely if the price is right. Let’s watch this one play out.

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