The New York Mets reportedly struck a trade on Thursday to improve their defense in center field, acquiring Houston Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick for two prospects, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
Marisnick, who is projected to make $3 million in his final year of arbitration this winter, is a right-handed hitter with excellent skills defensively in center.
The 28-year-old played in 120 games last season for the Astros and posted a .233/.289/.411 slash line with 10 home runs in 292 at-bats. While his bat doesn’t profile as an everyday player, he offers outstanding range in the outfield and is credited with five defensive runs saved (DRS) in 2019, according to FanGraphs.
Marisnick could become a part-time player for the Mets, primarily used as a defensive replacement. Before acquiring him, the team held interest in Boston Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. and Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star outfielder Starling Marte.