New York Mets add Jonathan Villar to major league deal

The New York Mets made another move to improve their infield depth, adding versatile IF/OF Jonathan Villar in a major league deal.

MLB Network’s Jon Heyman was the one breaking the news this time.

Villar was reportedly on the verge of signing with the Cincinnati Reds, but the New York Mets moved quickly to close the acquisition.

According to Heyman, the contract is worth $3.55 million and comes with certain performance incentives to make it attractive to Villar.

The expectation is that Villar serves a super-utility role for the Mets. He is capable of playing second base, third base, shortstop, and outfield.

Villar has been wildly inconsistent during his career, with a .259/.327/.400 line, a .316 wOBA, and a 96 wRC+. His wRC+ have ranged from 66 in 2020 to 120 in 2016, his career-high when he was with the Milwaukee Brewers.

How Villar can help the Mets

Overall, Villar is a versatile fielder (capable of playing several positions around the diamond, as previously stated) although not necessarily a good one. He is, however, an excellent basestealer.

The new Mets player stole 62 bases in 2016 and 40 in 2019, and he is also capable of hitting his fair share of home runs.

Last season, however, didn’t go smoothly for him, as he finished with a .232/.301/.292 line with a .266 wOBA and a 66 wRC+.

The Mets could theoretically have him play some second base, sliding Jeff McNeil to third and JD Davis to the bench. That wouldn’t be an everyday arrangement, though.

The New York Mets’ offseason isn’t necessarily over, as they might go after center fielder Jackie Bradley, third baseman Justin Turner, or another reliever, but the Villar signing makes it slightly less likely.

Since they lost on George Springer and Trevor Bauer, they have the ability to spend some more funds if they consider it necessary. For now, though, most of the roster is set.