The Mets have released veteran outfielder Melky Cabrera and infielder Gordon Beckham, per a team announcement. Both signed minor league pacts with the organization shortly after MLB’s transaction freeze was lifted. The Mets also confirmed their recently reported minor league deals with center fielder Juan Lagares and second baseman Brian Dozier. The team’s 60-man player pool stands at 57 players.
Cabrera, 35, initially drew interest from the Mets back in Spring Training but didn’t get a deal with the team done until after the designated hitter was announced in the NL for the 2020 season. The switch-hitter hasn’t batted lower than .273 in the past decade and routinely posts average or better on-base percentages as a result of those contact skills — even though he rarely walks. Cabrera’s power has dipped in his mid-30s, however, and his defensive skills have deteriorated even more greatly. Last year’s .280/.313/.399 may look passable on the surface, but it checked in well south of the league average in last year’s supercharged offensive environment (85 wRC+, 88 OPS+).
Beckham, meanwhile, had hoped to make the club as a bench option. The 33-year-old spent the 2019 campaign with the Tigers, hitting .215/.271/.372 with six homers, a dozen doubles and a pair of triples in 240 trips to the plate. The former No. 8 overall pick has never replicated his strong rookie season with the White Sox, hitting at a combined .233/.294/.355 in 10 years since that time.
Aw man, I was kind of excited to see melky as a Met :/
I don’t understand the Mets front office most of the time, lagares did not produce with the Mets and Melky could’ve helped I think more than lagares
I don’t get it either. Lagares has declined significantly on defense. He really was never a good offensive player. So why exactly are they bringing him back?
He stole 4 bases to Melky’s 2.
LOL
Because hopefully they won’t need either one so what difference does it make? Neither can hit but at least Juan can play center?
Melky can’t hit?
88 OPS+ last year, veteran in decline, what are we missing here?
If he’s healthy and has anywhere close to the speed he had, he could still be a good defensive option. As for offense, they’re not playing Arizona this season, so that’s a no. I was at the game last season where he erupted for a couple homers in the 10-0 rout of the D-backs.
I don’t understand these Lagares haters. Injuries since 2016 have been him hurting himself giving up his body in CF like that wrist injury. Has anyone here broken a wrist? Lagares makes contact and has a list K rate than others at times like even nimmo and conforto. And I’m not sure how you describe his defense declining. Did he not chase down a ball hit over him on a game you watched on tv? Get real folks.
Lmao
Even poor Melky was excited to play in NY.
Wonder if this is it for the Melk Man.
If so, he’s banked almost 73 mil playin ball. Not bad
Bring back TJ Rivera.
No need for a bad fielding second baseman with a meh bat but I get the sentiment. I love TJ and would love to see him succeed on any team.
I second that.
3 of the 4 were recently with the padres
Too bad Nunez wasn’t dumped too
Probably released due to being a bad influence on Cano like he did on Yankees
Pirates need a DH. Sign Cabrera!!
How does Max Moroff still have a job?
Agreed. I think they’re giving him another error. He’s not going to be on the active roster. I think Cordell deserves a shot, though.
I’d rather see Cordell be the 5th outfielder than Lagares or Cabrera
melky pretty solid hitter throughout his career, so something does not add up here. A Declining Melky yet hitting .280 last few seasons which slightly below career of .285….even with decline is more plus than lagares
Glad about Beckham. Dude is washed up and probably not as good as Dozier. Not sure I like cutting Melky. Could’ve been a decent piece
I’m ok with these moves except for resigning Lagares. Great kid, but essentially useless with a bat in his hands for awhile now.
Tough day for a couple of 2015 Chisox lol