The Mets are discussing a possible deal with free agent outfielder Rick Ankiel, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. It isn't known at this time if there are other teams in the mix, according to Heyman.
Ankiel, 33, was released by the Astros last week — a move which Carlos Pena said "crushed" the team's clubhouse. The veteran pitcher-turned-outfielder was the personification of an "all or nothing" approach this season, as he hit just .194/.231/.484 with five homers and 35 strikeouts in just 65 plate appearances for Houston.
Ankiel is a career .243/.304/.424 hitter in 2044 plate appearances between the Cardinals, Nationals, Royals, Braves and Astros. Mets outfielders this season are hitting just .223/.302/.392 as a whole. Their .694 OPS ranks 25th in baseball, and collectively they've been exactly a replacement level unit, per Fangraphs (0.0 WAR).
This post was originally published on May 13, 2013.
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