New York Mets: 3 Free Agents Mets Needs to Avoid at All Costs

With free agency in full swing now, the New York Mets need to decide which free agents, if any, will help the team improve in 2015.

The Mets' two biggest concerns for the offseason are shortstop and left field. They could use at least one upgrade in the lineup, and free agency or a trade could possibly make the Mets' lineup better.

However, they should not throw offers to every free agent out there. In fact, there are certain free agents that the Mets should probably keep off their radar for various reasons.

Here are three free agents the Mets need to avoid at all costs. 

SS Stephen Drew

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One shortstop the Mets should avoid is Stephen Drew.

Drew is only 31, but he is coming off the worst season of his career. He hit .162 in 2014 with seven home runs and 26 RBI.

Drew has had some decent seasons in his career and was part of the 2013 World Series champion Boston Red Sox team. However, he seems to be past his prime at this point and certainly would not be a better option than Wilmer Flores right now.

If the Mets fail to sign any of the big-name free-agent shortstops, it would not be wise to pay Drew instead of sticking with the younger and cheaper Flores. 

LF Ryan Ludwick

Al Behrman/Associated Press

One of the veteran outfielders the Mets should not keep an eye on is Ryan Ludwick.

At 36, Ludwick is way past his prime and has had trouble staying healthy for the last two seasons. It simply would not make sense for the Mets to go after him due to his age and inability to be on the field consistently.

Ludwick hit .244 in 2014 with nine home runs and 45 RBI in 112 games. 

LF Jason Kubel

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

Jason Kubel is another veteran free-agent outfielder that the Mets should not make an effort to sign.

Like Ludwick, Kubel has had trouble staying on the field for the past two years and is also a better fit in the American League with the DH option.

Kubel has never been the best defensive outfielder and has spent all but one season in his career in the American League. Because of this, the familiarity would probably be good for him.

In just 45 games in 2014, Kubel hit .224 with one home run and 13 RBI.

All statistics shown are courtesy of MLB.com.