Bargain Free Agents Mets Should Keep on Their Radar

The Mets are among the few teams that have already made a significant free-agent move by signing outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a two-year contract. It seems as if the Mets now will want to get an upgrade at shortstop if possible and maybe another bullpen arm.

The Mets are in pretty good shape elsewhere, so here are some bargain free agents they should keep on their radar for the positions that still need to get filled.

SS Clint Barmes

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The Mets will probably look to the trade market for a shortstop upgrade as opposed to free agency. The main prize among free-agent shortstops is Hanley Ramirez, who will likely command more money and years than the Mets will be willing to give him.

However, one potential bargain option for either a starting job at shortstop or as a backup middle infielder is Clint Barmes, who played for the Pirates last season.

In just 116 at-bats in 2014, Barmes hit .245 with no home runs and seven RBI. He is more likely be a backup middle infielder if the Mets were to sign him, but he would bring some good depth to the infield at the very least. So at a bargain price and only a one-year commitment, Barmes would be worth signing.

RHP Jim Johnson

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The Mets may have one open spot in their bullpen, and if they choose to sign someone outside the organization to fill the spot, Jim Johnson could be a solid bargain option.

Johnson is coming off a very poor season split between the A's and Tigers. He had a 7.09 ERA and this was after racking up 50 or more saves in both 2012 and 2013. Because of how badly he fell apart last year, Johnson should be able to get signed on a very cheap big league contract or even a minor league contract.

If Johnson pitches poorly early next season, he could get cut very easily. But if he can resurrect himself, he'd give the Mets an experienced bullpen arm in what is a very young bullpen.

LHP Phil Coke

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If the Mets intend to find another left-handed reliever to be in the bullpen along with incumbent Josh Edgin, one person who could become a good bargain option is Phil Coke.

Coke was 5-2 with a 3.88 ERA last season with the Tigers. He has postseason experience with both the Yankees and Tigers. Like Johnson, he would give the Mets a much-needed veteran presence in the bullpen and has a very good track record. For two or three years at a decent price, Coke would certainly be worth signing.

All statistics shown are courtesy of MLB.com.