2) Brandon Lockridge – Brewers
Acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers last year, Brandon Lockridge is a fleet-footed 28-year-old who put up strong defensive numbers in limited MLB action. His 3 OAA matched Buxton’s last year. His sprint speed, in the 99th percentile, tells us a story of exactly how useful he can be even when he forgets his glove in the hotel room.
The Brewers have a lot of outfielders and Lockridge isn’t even projected to be on their roster at the moment. They can stash him in the minor leagues easily. His two remaining minor league options don’t send out a distress call that he’s on the block nor should we fully expect him to get dealt at a low, low price.
The Mets would have to give up something of value to acquire Lockridge. Stearns’ Brewers connection shouldn’t give him an advantage. They’re a unique team with no truly awful contracts on the books. Selling Lockridge will come at some sort of a price.
He’d fit way too many common Mets themes. Originally a New York Yankees prospect, we check off yet another box of what this team seems to regularly do. Only 79 games of major league experience with all but 20 coming as a member of the San Diego Padres, he’s an under-the-radar depth move worth exploring.