New York Mets’ spring training standouts: Eduardo Nunez

Simeon Woods-Richardson
Mar 23, 2019; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; A view of the Grapefruit League logo on the hat of New York Mets second baseman Robinson Cano (24) prior to the game against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets signed veteran infielder Eduardo Nunez to a minor league contract before spring training began. Obviously, the pact came with an invitation to camp, to let the seasoned Nunez proved if he had something left in the tank.

After all, Nunez will turn 33 in June. The best of his career is probably behind him, but that doesn’t mean that he can’t contribute to a major league team in some form. While he has never been known for the prowess of his glove, he can play several positions including second base, third base, shortstop and both outfield corners. He is versatile, and he is very speedy.

If the abbreviated spring training (before the coronavirus outbreak forced MLB to suspend play until further notice) is any indication, he can still help a team. Of course, the sample size is extremely small, but he was having a good camp and played capably for a few games.

Overall, Nunez had a slash line of .321/.387/.464 with a .851 OPS in 11 games and 28 at-bats with the New York Mets in spring training, or at least the first version of it. It is likely that, if play resumes in June or July, the Mets and all MLB teams play a couple of weeks in the form of an abbreviated second “spring training.”

Trying to make the Mets

Although he scored just one run, Nunez had nine base hits, including three that went for extra bases (two doubles and a triple) with five RBI. He didn’t have any home runs, but that’s OK: that’s not his game. He can knock a few balls out of the park, but if he’s going to make the Mets, it will be because of his contact ability (which the Mets will measure in the quality of his at-bats and contact,) versatility and speed.

Making the Mets will be difficult. The team seems to like Luis Guillorme’s glove in the middle infield positions and they think he has untapped hitting potential. Jed Lowrie is still in the picture and with no clear position, and Max Moroff is also competing for a spot.

However, Nunez may make sense as an experienced hitter and versatile fielder with wheels. He has a career .276/.310/.404 line with .308 wOBA and 90 wRC+. He has 141 career stolen bases to his name, with a seasonal high of 40 in 2016.

Judging his performance by his spring training stats may not be the best way to go, but he showed in limited at-bats that he was, and is, in shape.