New York Mets Could Seek Free Agent Fit at Third Base

The New York Mets could use some stability at the hot corner, and one report believe a veteran third baseman is the right fit.

It’s safe to say that third base for the New York Mets is a bit of an issue entering the offseason.

Right now, the Mets have entrusted the position to Brett Baty, who doesn’t cost much and is under team control. The Mets traded Eduardo Escobar in June. Jeff McNeil, who has played the position in the past, is playing mostly second base these days. Mark Vientos played there on Thursday, and he’s played 18 games there.

But, as far as a long-term plan? The Mets could continue to turn to Baty, but the rookie is only batting .212 and just injured his groin.

If the Mets are looking ahead to free agency and looking to stabilize the position this offseason, there are some options. But the New York Post believes that one potential fit for the Mets is north of the border in the form of Toronto third baseman Matt Chapman.

Chapman just came off the injured list this week, but he’s had a productive season at the plate in his second season with the Blue Jays. He’s slashing .248/.340/.431/.771 with 15 home runs and 50 RBI.

While the power is down a bit this season, he had back-to-back seasons of 28 home runs in 2021 and 2022 and hit 36 home runs with Oakland in 2019.

So if the Mets want another power player on the corner, Chapman could be a real option.

It might not be that hard to fit Chapman into their salary structure, either. Baty costs them the league minimum, as does Vientos. The Mets don’t have much cash coming off the books, in part because they are picking up the salaries of some players they traded including pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.

Chapman costs the Blue Jays $12.5 million in 2023. At 30, he’ll be looking for long-term security and a raise. The Mets could offer both.

But the Mets are likely to have competition from the Yankees, the Cubs, the Dodgers, the Giants, the Mariners and the Blue Jays.