The New York Mets have had a brutal offseason, losing two superstars in Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz to free agency, and trading away their star left fielder, Brandon Nimmo. Now, they need to at least try and replace Nimmo.
There are a few big fish replacements left in free agency, but if New York isn’t quick, they could lose out on them. Fansided’s Christopher Kline believes that the Mets should have a backup plan, at least for 2026, and sign veteran outfielder Max Kepler.
“If the New York Mets whiff on Tucker, Bellinger and the top of the free agent market, the outfield need will take on greater urgency. Top prospect Carson Benge is a strong candidate to start on Opening Day. If the Mets are comfortable with him in center field, might Max Kepler be worth a call…He's a fine defender in the outfield corners, but Kepler can generate real power from the left side and he's not undisciplined in the box. New York can keep him in their back pocket if bigger free agent targets fall through,” Kline wrote.
This past season, Kepler didn’t do much for the Philadelphia Phillies. He slashed.216/.300/.391/.691 with 19 doubles, 18 home runs, and 52 RBI in 127 games. However, just two years ago, he slashed.260/.332/.484/.816 with 22 doubles, 24 homers, and 66 RBI in 130 games.
Kepler is also projected to only receive a one-year, $7.6 million contract, which works well for the Mets, who already have one of the biggest payrolls in baseball. In case they don’t land anyone big this year, Kepler can be a one-year replacement, and then they can hunt in the next offseason for a superstar.
While this shouldn’t be the Mets’ first option, keeping this in the back pocket would be a smart move.
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