The New York Mets have a fanbase that’s fuming after missing out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto. While signing Justin Turner would generate excitement among the fans and provide offense at third base/DH, recent reports indicate that David Stearns might opt for a more modest option. Mark Sanchez of the New York Post reported that the Mets are among the teams interested in infielder Gio Urshela.
Urshela lacks the star power or offensive abilities that Turner possesses, but he would fit the 2024 Mets pretty well. New York wants to give youngsters Brett Baty and Mark Vientos plenty of time at third and DH this season, and rightfully so. The team must find out if these players can be legitimate members of the next winning club.
Urshela is a great veteran piece to complement the youngsters’ development without stepping on their toes. Additionally, his experience in New York, friendship with Francisco Lindor, and familiarity with new manager Carlos Mendoza should make him a great clubhouse fit. Last year proved that the Mets must acquire players that fit the team, even if it does not make headlines.
Gio Urshela Aligns Well With the 2024 Mets
Urshela’s Defense Aligns With the Mets Roster
Earlier in the offseason, Stearns mentioned a willingness to fill out the roster with an emphasis on run prevention, meaning pitching and defense. Run producers like Turner might cost more than what Stearns wants to pay, thus a shift to solid defenders like Urshela comes into play. This likely was a factor when acquiring Tyrone Taylor from the Brewers rather than paying an inflated price through free agency.
Urshela is not the power threat that Turner is, but he offers much more defensive value and versatility. Since 2020, Urshela has 11 Defensive Runs Saved at third base and has seen time at shortstop and first base in recent years. He won’t display great range, but will make the plays on balls he gets to and will benefit from quick reflexes and smooth hands and feet. Plus, a rangey third baseman isn’t needed with Lindor at shortstop. Even if he doesn’t start, Urshela is a viable defensive replacement option for Baty and Vientos at third late in games.
Urshela offers better defense at 32 than Turner will at 39. Defensive metrics graded Turner negatively at third base last year, although they viewed him favorably at first base and as average in limited second base innings. That said, Turner would sign expecting to get at-bats every day.
Gio Urshela Fits the 2024 Mets’ Chemistry
The Mets should emphasize having at least one of Baty and Vientos, if not both, in the lineup every day. Three or four games per week should have one of them at third and the other at DH. For this to happen, both positions must be relatively open, meaning a veteran acquisition like Urshela or Turner playing part-time. Turner is more of a star contributor type of player than Urshela and likely won’t accept a part-time role.
Urshela, coming off of a pelvis injury, should be more comfortable in that role. Urshela broke his pelvis last June and missed the rest of the season. While the injury sounds serious, it did not require surgery. Urshela has displayed his improved health this offseason by playing in the Colombian winter league. While he’s fully healthy, he could benefit from a part-time workload in his first year back.
Furthermore, Urhsela is close friends with Lindor and knows Mendoza from their Yankees days. A new manager must establish a culture early on, and Mendoza can rely on Urshela to help establish it. Whispers of clubhouse dysfunction have followed the Mets throughout this young decade. Urshela’s established relationship with the new manager and the team’s star player, plus his familiarity with New York, should help align the clubhouse and get everyone on the same page.
Urshela Provides Enough Offensively
Turner is no doubt a better offensive player. Since 2019, he has produced a 122 OPS+ (compared to Urshela’s 115) with better on-base, power, strikeout, and walk rates in 623 more plate appearances. However, Urshela’s OPS+ is not significantly lower than Turner’s.
Also, Turner did not rank too well in Average Exit Velocity, Barrel Percentage, or Hard-Hit Percentage last year. While this might be nitpicking, Citi Field notoriously suppresses exit velocities. Could Citi Field negatively impact Turner’s overall numbers? Fenway Park suited Turner’s game well, and the numbers showed that. Citi Field could easily have a similar effect but in reverse.
Considering their overall packages, Stearns must determine how many millions more Turner is worth compared to Urshela. Turner is expected to sign a larger deal, and at some point, Stearns must pivot to Urshela if Turner’s price keeps rising. The Mets are not entering the season as World Series competitors, and thus don’t need to overspend on Turner as if he’s the missing piece. They also shouldn’t go all-in on Turner if it means blocking playing time for Baty or Vientos.
Other Options
As of now, the Mets seemingly are interested in adding one or two more position players, with one capable at third base. The team isn’t likely to splash out on Matt Chapman, nor should they. Brian Anderson represents an option with some power, on-base skills, and defensive versatility that might interest Stearns. With the free agent market thin on options, this spot on the roster could provide Stearns an opportunity to flex his creative muscle.
While Urshela won’t represent creativity, he does represent a decent fit on a 2024 Mets squad chasing a Wild Card spot. Whether this acquisition gets fans excited or not, it cannot prevent Baty and Vientos from getting a chance to prove their abilities. Vientos played well in September with consistent playing time, and many evaluators still believe in Baty’s skillset. Gio Urshela won’t get in their way and he aligns well with the Mets’ status, timeline, and organizational philosophy.
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