As the New York Mets are preparing for the 2025 season like every other team, upgrading their designated hitter (DH) position seems a must for them. Based on knowledge from a recent episode of "Locked On Mets," that took place on Thursday, here are four players who could seriously improve the Mets' lineup:
Masataka Yoshida (Boston Red Sox)
Yoshida has shown promise since joining the Boston Red Sox. In the 2024 season, he played 108 games and had a .280 batting average with 10 home runs and an OPS of .765. He managed an on-base percentage of .349 with a slugging percentage of .415 and 56 RBIs.
While he faced some challenges due to recent shoulder surgery, if he remains healthy, Yoshida's left-handed bat could add balance to the Mets' lineup. The Red Sox may consider trading Yoshida if they want to reallocate resources or go for other team changes, making him a potential target for New York.
Brandon Lowe (Tampa Bay Rays)
Lowe is a powerful hitter for the Tampa Bay Rays. In the 2024 season, he played 107 games and maintained a .244 batting average with 21 home runs and an OPS of .783. He had an on-base percentage of .311 and a slugging percentage of .473. With 58 RBIs, he also stole five bases.
The Rays exercised his $10.5 million option for 2025, but the team might consider trading him if they want to spread their payroll across multiple positions or if they feel they have possible replacements within their system. With his experience at second base and potential usefulness as a designated hitter or first baseman, Lowe could provide much offensive support for the Mets.
Trevor Larnach (Minnesota Twins)
Larnach of the Minnesota Twins presents another interesting option for the Mets. He finished the 2024 season after playing 112 games with a .259 batting average and 15 home runs. With 52 RBIs, he managed to maintain an on-base percentage of .338 and a slugging percentage of .434.
Larnach's basic statistics are promising, and he ranks in the 90th percentile for average exit velocity. He has also shown improvement in his strikeout rate. If the Twins decide to make roster adjustments, Larnach could be a good trade candidate for New York.
Luis Arraez (San Diego Padres)
Arraez has established himself as one of the most reliable hitters in baseball. In the 2024 season, he played for two teams, the Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres. He played 33 games with the Marlins in his final season with them. He had managed to hit .299/.347/.372 with five RBIs.
Meanwhile, after joining the Padres, he played 117 games, in which he hit .318/.346/.398. With 41 RBIs, he was able to hit four home runs and steal nine bases.
Other than that, Arraez's versatility allows him to play multiple positions, providing depth and flexibility for the team that could make him a valuable target for the Mets.
By targeting these players, the New York Mets can improve their designated hitter (DH) position and overall offensive capabilities as they aim for success in 2025. Each player brings unique strengths that could match the Mets' existing talent and help them compete at a higher level.