SAN DIEGO — If Starling Marte needs to switch positions for the upcoming season, the organization anticipates a pretty smooth transition.
Marte is one of the Mets’ center field possibilities if Brandon Nimmo leaves via free agency. Marte, 34, went to right field this season after largely playing center field for the past four seasons.
Manager Buck Showalter stated on Tuesday at the winter meetings, “He’s willing to do whatever we want with him.” “Whatever you want to do with him, be forthright, tell him what is anticipated, and leave it alone. Don’t be always in motion. We observed this about the batting order. In the spring, we discovered it in right field, left field, and center field. He will do anything.
“Prior to last season, he had not played right field. For [the lineup] to function, he played it for us. So that would have to be something, he would be willing to do it, but you must be proactive and constant in your approach.”
Nimmo is the best center fielder available and might seek a contract that exceeds the Mets’ budget.
Showalter stated, “We’d like to have him on our team.” “He is a talented player. He has made a name for himself. He had a post-up, solid physical year in which, for whatever reason, he appeared to navigate through a number of things that had been obstacles in the past without having to miss a significant number of games.
“Brandon improved each year he played. He improved. Therefore, somebody will acquire a nice person and a good athlete. We hope it’s us. But if not, we must be prepared to change course and proceed in a different path.”
Adam Ottavino remains on the list of possible bullpen returns for the Mets. The right-handed pitcher reportedly wants a multiyear contract after posting a 2.06 ERA in 66 outings for the Mets last year.
Showalter stated, “Both parties must work together.” “We like Adam, and I believe he likes us as well. And we’ll see if it fits within our plan to put together a full team.”
The Mets signed Harrison Friedland to a multiyear contract as their replay analyst. Friedland, who arrived over the offseason, was important in overturning decisions in 78% of appeals during the previous season.
Showalter stated, “He understands how to use machines to obtain angles before we pick up the phone.” “He’s the greatest I’ve ever seen.”
The Mets are still hunting for a replacement for Craig Bjornson and Jeremy Barnes as bullpen coach and assistant hitting coach, respectively. Barnes was elevated to hitting coach, while Eric Chavez moved from bench coach to hitting coach.
Former bench coach Glenn Sherlock is now the catching coach on a full-time basis (and received a contract extension through 2024).
Gary Cohen is one of ten nominees for the Ford C. Frick Award, which brings with it entry into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame. On Wednesday, the winner will be announced. Lindsey Nelson, Bob Murphy, and Tim McCarver are the Mets-affiliated broadcasters who received the honor.
»Starling Marte is prepared to play center if the Mets do not sign Brandon Nimmo«