The Mets could be once again delving into the international free agent market pool in the near future.
Jim Bowden of ESPN and MLB Network Radio expects both the Mets and the Padres to pursue 21-year-old Cuban SS Alfredo Rodriguez, who recently departed for the United States in search for an MLB deal.
Rodriguez is classified as a, “gold glove defender,” scouts have told Bowden, although if he were to make it to the big leagues he projects no higher than a bottom-of-the-order bat, writes Ben Badler of Baseball America.
The Mets had about $2.7 million to spend in the international free agent pool during the 2014-15 season, and they might spend a significant amount on that soon, as they could have an agreement in place with Gregory Guerero for $1.8 million.
It’s not clear what Rodriguez would seek in a deal, nor is it clear he will be eligible during this signing period. But the Mets don’t have much wiggle room left in their pool this year without incurring a steep penalty. So, based on that plus the fact his bat may not play here, it’s not necessarily certain the two will ever agree to terms.
To see video and to learn more about Rodriguez, check out Baseball America.
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