The New York Mets continue to add veterans to their player pool as injuries are slowly taking over the roster. Former Met Juan Lagares and 2019 World Champion Brian Dozier sign minor league deals with the Mets to add more depth to their roster. They release Gordon Beckham and Melky Cabrera to make room in the player pool.
Neither Brian Dozier nor Juan Lagares are considerations for the Mets' Opening Day roster. They signed under the expectation that they will begin the season at the team's alternate training site in Brooklyn.
Veteran depth, with 15 seasons of big league experience between them.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 22, 2020
Though neither player is going to make the opening day roster, the quality depth is needed. Lagares opted out of his San Diego Padres deal and is an insurance policy for Jake Marisnick, who is dealing with hamstring tightness. The only difference between them is Marisnick brings a little more in the power department. Both players are defensive wizards in the outfield, and Lagares has plenty of experience filling in for injured Mets.
Lowrie Replacement
When Jed Lowrie went on the Injured List, once again, the Mets lack any backup infielders with power. Dozier has at least 20 home runs in six straight seasons and hit a career-high 42 in 2016. He struggled in Spring Training with the Padres and opted out of his deal, like Lagares. The Mets will likely start the season with Luis Guillorme as the back up middle infielder, but if they need more with the bat, Dozier should get the call first.
Both players are productive depth pieces, and now their only concerns are with their pitching. They still need more quality depth there, especially with Marcus Stroman questionable for the opening series.