Juan Lagares has been a surprise for the Mets in 2013. The 24 year old rookie outfielder has showed above average defense out in center-field, but his bat has been lacking. In 80 games with the Mets, Lagares has hit .255 with 4 home runs, 25 RBI, and a .286 on-base percentage.
Hitting coach Dave Hudgens met with Lagares before Thursday's game against the Padres, and told him "don't let any offensive funk affect your fielding." Lagares is hitless in his last 13 at-bats.
Terry Collins further explained to reporters what Hudgens told Lagares, saying "Hitting is hard, and you're going to have ups and downs. But that catch he made in center field tonight, that's what he want him to do on a nightly basis. He may not have driven in any runs, but he saved two."
I've really enjoyed seeing Lagares play in 2013. His defense is, no question, the best in the outfield, but the Mets will eventually need to make a decision with him, given his offensive struggles. It really seems like the league has figured him out, meaning that they know where to pitch him. Lagares will need to adjust if he wants to get those offensive numbers back up.
I actually agree with what Terry Collins and Dave Hudgens have said. Lagares has been doing just fine as a whole, and his offensive slump shouldn't influence his defensive game at all.
If Sandy Alderson fully commits to Lagares, then he will certainly need to acquire two solid-hitting corner outfielders to compensate for Lagares' offense, or lack thereof. Those players are out there but at this point the two questions are: Will Sandy give Lagares the long-term nod at centerfield? And who will he chase after in the winter? Those questions will need to be addressed very soon.
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