The Mets took another step toward improving their depth Tuesday, agreeing to contract terms with Jonathan Villar.
A veteran utilityman who played last season with the Marlins and Blue Jays, the 29-year-old Villar received a one-year deal for $3.55 million, according to The Post’s Joel Sherman. Villar played second base, shortstop and center field last season.
The addition comes two days after the Mets reached an agreement with Albert Almora, who is expected to provide outfield depth. Villar, a switch-hitter, joins Luis Guillorme in providing backup infield options.
Villar slashed .232/.301/.292 last season with two homers and 15 RBIs in 52 games. He has also played for the Astros, Brewers and Orioles in his major league career. Villar also brings strong base running – he stole 16 bases last season. In the last full season, 2019, he swiped 40 bases for the Orioles.
As it stands, the Mets will head to spring training with Jeff McNeil at second base, Francisco Lindor at shortstop and J.D. Davis at third base. But the Mets could also still look to upgrade at third base through a trade.
If the universal DH isn’t implemented for this season, the Mets will likely play Dominic Smith in left field with Brandon Nimmo in center and Pete Alonso at first base.
But if MLB and the MLBPA can reach an agreement that would return the universal DH from last season, it would provide the Mets with the flexibility to put Smith or Alonso in that role with the other playing at first base. Nimmo could then shift to left field, allowing the Mets to potentially pursue the top remaining centerfielder on the market in Jackie Bradley Jr. It’s also possible the Mets could try to build a trade with Milwaukee that focuses on Lorenzo Cain.
After missing on Trevor Bauer, who agreed to a three-year deal with the Dodgers, the Mets still could use a proven starter to place behind Jacob deGrom, Carlos Carrasco and Marcus Stroman heading into the season, as the team awaits Noah Syndergaard’s return from Tommy John surgery rehab, perhaps by June. The Mets also have lefties David Peterson and Joey Lucchesi in the mix and right-hander Jordan Yamamoto. The top available starting pitchers available include Jake Odorizzi, James Paxton and Taijuan Walker.
If the Mets don’t acquire another starting pitcher they could consider beginning the season with Seth Lugo in the rotation, but the right-hander’s best work in the major leagues has come as a reliever.