The Mets pulled off another depth signing, bringing Jonathan Villar to Queens.
The deal is for one season and is worth 3.55 million dollars.
Villar’s strength is his speed. The switch hitter stole 40 bases in 2019 and swiped 16 bags in the pandemic shortened 2020 campaign.
Most stolen bases since 2016:
Billy Hamilton: 179
JONATHAN VILLAR: 176
Trea Turner: 169#Mets #LGM @Metsmerized— Mathew Brownstein (@MBrownstein89) February 9, 2021
I think it’s safe to say that with the asinine runner on second in extra innings rule in effect, that Villar would be our guy.
From 2016-19, Villar had four consecutive seasons of at least 10 home runs and 20 stolen bases.
Villar, 29, can play second base, shortstop, third base and has spent time in the outfield. Ok, he’s played in the outfield 15 times in his career. But, hey. He was out there!
You know what? Let’s put all our cards on the table. He’s not a good defender.
But his speed and power could make him a useful bench piece for the Mets in 2021.
This could realistically be the Mets' Opening Day bench. It's a far more experienced group than the team has generally had in years past:
-Tomás Nido (C)
-José Martínez (1B, LF, RF)
-Albert Almora (LF, CF, RF)
-Luis Guillorme (2B, SS, 3B)
-Jonathan Villar (2B, SS, 3B, LF, CF)— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 9, 2021
One year removed from a 4 win season? Pretty nice depth signing, all things considered.
Villar has a career OPS+ of 95 and a .259/.327/.400 slashline.
Photo Credit: Getty ImagesCopyright: 2018 Getty Images