Panik’s next stop? Mets make sense

Around the big leagues:

If we all think hard enough, perhaps adding a dose of meditation, we can get Joe Panik to New York. The Mets could use him, it would be the perfect landing place, and perhaps the notion of a revitalized Panik would remove some of the sting for Giants fans still incensed over his dismissal.

Panik grew up in Yonkers to a baseballmad family. His greatgrandfather was a New York Giants fan, telling young Joe that Bill Terry and Mel Ott were his favorite players. His grandfather and father were Yankees fans, a big reason Joe idolized Derek Jeter. Panik began hitting lefthanded during his preschool years because he loved Wade Boggs.

Staying local, Panik attended St. John’s and became the Giants’ firstround draft pick in 2011. Now he’s out on the market, a free agent available for the taking. Robinson Cano, the Mets’ regular second baseman, might be lost for the season with a hamstring injury. Jed Lowrie, still fondly remembered by A’s fans, has been out all season with leg injuries and might not return. The fillin player, Adeiny Hechavarria, is hitting .204. Why not take a chance on Panik, just 28 years old with something to prove?

(The Yankees have DJ LeMahieu at second base, and many think he’s been their most valuable player this season.)

Among Bay Area writers who have covered the game for decades, Panik stands out as one of the nicest, most caring people we’ve ever met. A few years back, a Bay Area high school player visited St. John’s as he sorted out his collegiate options. Panik not only happened to be on campus, he dropped everything to show him around the school and baseball facilities. The kid wound up staying on the West Coast, but he hasn’t forgotten Panik’s generosity.

In January 2018, the Giants traded Bryan Reynolds, a promising outfielder out of Vanderbilt, along with pitcher Kyle Crick and international bonusslot money to the Pirates for Andrew McCutchen and cash. Early this season, it appeared Reynolds was a legitimate big leaguer. Now there’s no doubt: The rookie is hitting .334 with a .931 OPS and playing excellent defense, making him a crowd favorite during the Pirates’ disappointing season. Bruce Jenkins is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: bjenkins@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Bruce_Jenkins1