Early thoughts on Wilmer Flores

Wilmer Flores has been in the Major Leagues for a little over a week now, and he is already beginning to make a name for himself. Despite the current .259 batting average, Flores has been money with runners in scoring position. In 7 games, he already has 9 RBI, and seems to deliver whenever he is called upon. Defensively he has been no David Wright, but average nonetheless. Considering that he has been constantly flipped around in the field throughout his career, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now. 

I know it is a small sample size, but Flores already looks like he could be a solid Major League hitter. His smooth swing has drawn comparisons to Jason Bay in his prime. One thing about Flores is that, once he steps in the batters box, you know that he has a good idea of what he is doing. He is very mature at the plate for a 22 year old.

Now, I'll get into Flores' long-term future with this team very shortly, but first I want to talk about what he will be doing for the rest of this season. Flores, a third baseman by trade, is only playing the hot corner right now because David Wright is on the disabled list. Wright may be out for the season with his injury, but is is not guaranteed. If he manages to return off of the disabled list sooner than expected, then the Mets have a decision to make with Flores. 

What position will he play?

Flores has had minor league experience at first and second base. Personally, I believe the team should stick him at first base if they truly believe he is part of the long-term solution. I say that because Flores may be involved in trade talks this winter, because he is one of the Mets' highest trading chips. If the team continues to stick to Ike Davis at first base, then Flores may be looking at the second base job. 

I like Daniel Murphy, I really do. In my mind, he is underrated offensively, and defensively he has come a long way. I don't think the Mets should just simply hand over the job to Flores, but if Murphy struggles with the bat or shows any sign of fatigue in the final weeks of the season, I'd give Flores a shot. If Flores succeeds, then he has the opportunity to run away with the job.

The whole Flores situation is a tricky one, because no-one knows if he will even be with the Mets next season. He will certainly be talked about in trade dialogue involving the Mets and other teams, and I have a feeling the Mets will eventually move him in a package for a big-name outfielder. These final weeks of the season are meant to showcase Flores' talent at the Major League level, and if he finds success, the Mets could really cash in on his value.