The Mets Still Need to Acquire One of These Free Agent Center Fielders This Offseason

New York Mets fans finally saw some light at the end of the tunnel after it was announced the universally-disliked Wilpon family would be selling their majority stake in the franchise to billionaire Steve Cohen.

2019 figures to be the last year the Wilpon family will maintain control over baseball operations, so that means the Mets, yet again, will be strapped for cash while trying to upgrade their team this offseason.

Although, just because they most likely won't be going big-game hunting, the Mets can still go after a few center fielders on the cheaper side, a position that is still seen by some as an area of need despite the recent acquisition of Jake Marisnick.

With that in mind, let's take a look at three center fielders the Mets could target.

1. Trade for Starling Marte

Starling Marte trots around the bases after hitting a home run. / Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

It has been widely reported over the last few days that the Mets are in talks to acquire the Pittsburgh Pirates' center fielder, Starling Marte. The 31-year-old outfielder put together a very solid season in 2019, batting .295 with 23 home runs and 82 RBI for the Pirates. He would be an instant upgrade for the Mets and would turn Marisnick into a move for depth purposes, something the Mets have been lacking in recent years. Marte is also under club control for two more seasons.

2. Sign Kevin Pillar

Kevin Pillar during an at-bat against the Colorado Rockies. / Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Pillar put up similar numbers to Marte with 21 home runs and 88 RBI in 2019, but he only hit .259. However, Pillar will only cost money, not prospects like it would to bring in Marte. Pillar turned in a 1.8 offensive WAR in 2019 and could become a helpful bat and solid veteran presence in the Mets lineup, all without breaking the bank.

3. Sign Cameron Maybin

Cameron Maybin rounds the bases after a home run against the Tampa Bay Rays. / Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Cameron Maybin had one of the best seasons of his career last year as a member of the New York Yankees. In only 82 games, Maybin hit .285 with 11 home runs and 32 RBI. While those numbers aren't jarring, he was a crucial piece for the Yankees throughout last year filling in for the mountain of injuries they sustained. On top of a much-improved bat, Maybin is also a gifted athlete than can cover massive ground in a large area at Citi Field. Plus, Maybin might be partial to the fact he wouldn't have to move coming over from the Yankees.

Join FanDuel Sportsbook Today. New users get a risk-free bet up to $500. Join Now.

David Kaestle is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, David also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username davekaestle. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.