Earlier in the off-season, the Chicago Cubs had released Albert Almora Jr., a right handed outfielder from Hialeah, Florida. If the Mets decide to pass up on Springer or vice-versa, Jared Porter and Zack Scott should keep their options open.
In the 2019 campaign, Almora was in the top of his class when it comes to outfielder jump. And while his OAA wasn’t as great, he still ranked in the 81st percentile while his sprint speed ranked in the 82nd.
In 2018, his sprint speed wasn’t as good but his outfielder jump still had him in the 91st percentile and his OAA in the astonishing 96th percentile. That season he also 24 doubles, one triple, five home runs and 41 RBI’s with a .286/.323/.378/.701 slash line.
While those offensive numbers aren’t overly impressive, his defensive numbers definitely stand out.
His projections for 2021 are 11 doubles, one triple, seven HR’s and 27 RBI’s in just 258 at-bats. So if the Mets miss out on Springer, Almora jr and let’s say Jackie Bradley jr would make a great pair of defensive juniors in CF.
The money saved could result in Trevor Bauer, or a couple of mid line starters like Odorizzi and Sonny Gray. That could even pour over into the bullpen with a Liam Hendriks, giving the Mets a top notch pitching staff.
Photo from Associated Press File Photo/June 2018
