New York Mets: 10 Centerfielders they should have on their radar
By Ed Stein
10. Manuel Margot (25), Padres
The New York Mets and San Diego had some discussions about Margot around last July’s trade deadline. At that time, the Padres were trying to land one of New York’s starting pitchers and the centefielder was part of the return. As you know, that didn’t happen and Margot remained in San Diego.
Consider me unimpressed with Manuel Margot to this point in his young career. In a recent article by Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribute he wrote about how much the fourth year Major Leaguer improved in 2018, then a sentence later he said the Friars could sit Margot against right handed pitching. His slash line for last season was . 248/.304/. 387/.691 which is below his career averages in three of the four categories.
Even though he plays a very good defensive center field, Margot’s career .236 batting average and .286 on base percentage against right righties don’t say everyday player.
9. Phil Ervin (27), Reds
If it’s hard to imagine Phil Ervin as an everyday player, its probably because he hasn’t been one. He has however excelled in a better than part-time role in Cincinnati. Since 2017, the former Samford University slugger has hit .262 in 512 Big League at-bats with a .766 OPS. While not great, it’s not bad either.
His defense improved greatly in 2019 as he got more time in center. Ervin could be a player who needs an opportunity to succeed with a Major League team, much like J.D. Davis was for the New York Mets last year. Cincy can make the highly-touted Nick Senzel their main center fielder, so Ervin isn’t a must keep for the Reds. He is under team control through 2025 and isn’t eligible for arbitration until 2021.