The New York Mets have lost some key players this offseason, through both free agency and trades, and their outfield is currently in need of help.
The Mets traded Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, two players capable of playing and producing in the outfield. They could use help, and players like Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger are still available. However, the Mets still have work to do in the starting rotation, and may not want to spend big on outfielders. FanSided’s Christopher Kline suggested the Mets sign Max Kepler.
Kepler has been in the big leagues for 11 seasons. He did not play well for the Philadelphia Phillies last season, hitting .216 with a .691 OPS. However, he managed to pop 18 home runs. He could be a cheap addition. He is two seasons removed from a 24-homer season with the Minnesota Twins.
If Kepler can start playing closer to the version fans saw in 2023, he would be a great addition for the Mets. He showed some signs of being able to turn things around last season. He had an expected slugging percentage of .430, according to Baseball Savant. That mark was 39 points higher than his actual slugging percentage.
After hitting 10 home runs in his first 85 games, he had a much better second half. He hit eight home runs in his final 41 games. He also had a .715 OPS in the second half. If the Mets want to spend big on their rotation, perhaps going after Tatsuya Imai and Framber Valdez, signing Kepler would not hinder them.
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