The New York Mets showed the world that they are here to compete with the Trevor May and James McCann signings and the Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco trade. Yes, they failed to acquire their top targets, George Springer, Trevor Bauer or JT Realmuto, but they managed to improve an already good core and are now considered favorites in the NL East.
And the fact that the Mets couldn’t secure any of those three names means that they have the funds to go after one of the few remaining difference-makers in the market, which is third baseman Justin Turner.
Turner and the Mets have obvious history. When the organization got rid of him, he worked on his swing and exploded with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“Mets interested in free-agent 3B Justin Turner, but parties not matching up on years/dollars, sources tell The Athletic. NYM also not sure what J.D. Davis might bring in a trade. Brewers owner Mark Attanasio intrigued by Turner as well. Dodgers (2-year deal?) remain best bet,” was the report of Ken Rosenthal.
Turner would improve the Mets’ lineup, but is he absolutely necessary?
Of course, Turner would represent another above-average bat for an already great Mets lineup. He had a .307/.400/.460 line with a .376 wOBA and a 140 wRC+ in 2020 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his .292/.369/.469 and career line and 130 wRC+ would fit in nicely anywhere.
The Mets are doing everything they can to replace JD Davis, who was a disappointment in 2020 with a .247/.371/.389 line and a 116 wRC+. However, it may not be fair to completely dismiss him, as he was still an above-average offensive performer and has the potential to bounce back with hitting coach Chili Davis available to help him.
The New York Mets signed Jonathan Villar on Tuesday, but he isn’t expected to be an everyday player. Turner, in the hypothetical case they are able to sign him, should be.