The Mets currently have a huge hole at shortstop. Omar Quintanilla has done a fine job serving as a stop-gap, but Ruben Tejada, who was once assumed to be the long-term replacement for Jose Reyes, has had a lost season. Before injuring himself in May, Tejada hit .209 in 50 games with the Mets, and also made 8 errors in 48 games at shortstop, which is good for a .966 fielding percentage. Tejada is fully healed from his injury, but the team optioned him to Triple-A over a month ago so he could work on his approach at the plate. He has indeed hit .337 in 24 games with the Las Vegas 51s, but fans are still unsure about his future with the club.
Personally, I'm a big Tejada fan, but I would support a trade for a shortstop. Aybar isn't the best shortstop in the game, but he would present a huge upgrade over Quintanilla and Tejada. He could serve as a switch hitting leadoff hitter that the team has needed for quite some time. Granted, I like what Eric Young Jr. has done, but Aybar has more experience in this role.
Normally, Aybar utilizes his speed and collects about 15 stolen bases on average per season. However, in 2013, he hasn't been running as much, which is evident by his 5 stolen bases this season.
To answer the question that is directed in the title of this article, I believe the Mets should make a run at Aybar, but at the right price. Aybar is owed about $30 million through the 2016 season, so the Angels may need to give some cash to get a deal done.
Aybar's value is as low as it will likely ever get, and I am convinced that he has better years ahead of him. If the Mets could get away with giving a mid-level prospect or two for Aybar, I would certainly consider it.
