Twitter is abuzz with news that the Mets have sent three scouts to Santo Domingo to scout highly touted international free agent first baseman Jose Dariel Abreu.
#Mets have 3 scouts in Santo Domingo to watch 1b Jose Abreu, remain long shot but want to make sure have full info on Cuban defector
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) September 30, 2013
Now, this certainly doesn’t mean much. While the Mets have been part of the discussion over Abreu, they most likely won’t be the ones to close the deal. We all knew the Mets were expressing some level of interest, but their actions today have some people stirring.
It wont amount to anything.
Abreu,26, was cleared to sign with a major league team on Saturday, after he was unblocked by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control and then declared a free agent by MLB. This was the final step in obtaining eligibility, after defecting from Cuba and establishing residency in Haiti.
Abreu is scouted as a solid hitter with real power. His athleticism and ability to make contact is in question, but the amount of raw power his bat possesses makes up for that.
There are a huge number of teams part of the talks over Abreu. The Giants, Red Sox, Rangers, Nationals and Pirates are some of the predicted favorites, although there are plenty of other teams interested as well. And while the Mets have kept an eyes on Abreu, there are just too many other teams interested.
I think the Mets need to go hard after this player. First base is a need, and I don’t see another potential impact player out there at that, or any other position. Guys like Ellsbury and Choo are going to be way overpaid far too deep into their 30’s for my liking. Go get this guy.
I hope they sign, Abreu. All he will cost is money. No draft pick no trade, just money.
This guy could be the protection Wright has needed since 08.
But I wouldnt go over 12 million a year for a unknown.
And he would have to compete with Duda for playing time