Mets add veteran IF Villar for depth
The Mets took another step toward improving their depth Tuesday, agreeing to contract terms with Jonathan Villar.
A veteran utilityman who played last season with the Marlins and Blue Jays, the 29-yearold Villar received a one-year deal for $3.55 million, according to The Post’s Joel Sherman. Villar played second base, shortstop and center field last season.
The addition comes two days after the Mets reached an agreement with Albert Almora, who is expected to provide outfield depth. Villar, a switch hitter, joins Luis Guillorme in providing backup options in the infield.
Villar had a slash line of .232/ .301/.292 last season, with two homers and 15 RBIs in 52 games. He has also played for the Astros, Brewers and Orioles in his major league career. Villar also brings strong base running — he stole 16 bases last season. In the last full MLB season, 2019, he swiped 40 bases for the Orioles.
As it stands, the Mets will head to spring training with Jeff McNeil at second base, Francisco Lindor at shortstop and J.D. Davis at third base. But the Mets could also still look to upgrade at third base through a trade.
If the universal designated hitter isn’t implemented for this season, the Mets will likely play Dominic Smith in left field, with Brandon Nimmo in center and Pete Alonso at first base.
But if MLB and the MLBPA can reach an agreement to return the universal DH, which was used last season, it would provide the Mets with the flexibility to put Smith or Alonso in that role, with the other playing first base. Nimmo could then shift to left field, allowing the Mets to pursue the top remaining center fielder on the market, Jackie Bradley Jr. It’s also possible the Mets could try to build a trade with the Brewers that focuses on Lorenzo Cain.
After missing on right-hander Trevor Bauer, who agreed to a three-year deal with the Dodgers, the Mets still could use a proven starting pitcher behind Jacob deGrom, Carlos Carrasco and Marcus Stroman, as they await Noah Syndergaard’s return from Tommy John surgery rehab, perhaps by June. The Mets also have left-handers David Peterson and Joey Lucchesi and right-hander Jordan Yamamoto in the mix for the rotation. The top starting pitchers available include Jake Odorizzi, James Paxton and Taijuan Walker.
If the Mets don’t acquire another starting pitcher, they could consider beginning the season with Seth Lugo in the rotation, but the right-hander’s best work in the major leagues has come as a reliever.