New York Mets: 10 Centerfielders they should have on their radar
By Ed Stein
6. Oscar Mercado (24), Indians
Oscar Mercado is very similar to Harold Ramirez. Both hail from Cartegena, Columbia, they are about the same age, were promoted to the Majors last May and their numbers were very similar. The biggest difference being Mercado had 33 percent more extra-base hits than Ramirez. And then, of course, Mercado finished seventh in AL Rookie of the Year voting while Ramirez didn’t register. That probably had to do with Mercado playing on a competitive Cleveland team.
It’s unlikely that Indians GM Mike Chernoff trades his starter in center. Then again, the Tribe is deep with young outfielders, what they need is a catcher. The New York Mets are rumored to be interested in free agent Yasmani Grandal. If the Amazins were to land the former Brewers backstop, Wilson Ramos would be available for trade and the Mets should still be under the luxury tax threshold.
5. Jason Heyward (30), Cubs
This is a very interesting and complicated option. After yet another failure in 2018, not many Cubs players could be deemed as untouchable, including Jason Heyward. He’s not primarily a centerfielder, but has won five gold gloves in right field, and can still cover ground. Heyward signed an eight-year, $184M contract with the North Siders prior to their 2016 championship season.
That big contract is starting to become an albatross to the Cubbies. His production with Chicago is well below what it was before he signed there. If BVW made a deal for Heyward, it would probably include either the Cubs eating a good portion of the remaining $94M or Robinson Cano and some cash going the other way. Personally, I like the second idea. If the Cubs are adamantly opposed to Cano, a third team might be involved.