Only Pagan Remains

Photo Courtesy of Michael Baron

The Mets entered the offseason with three players who were arbitration eligible.  The team settled with Mike Pelfrey a few weeks ago and now that the Mets have reached a two year contract extension with R.A. Dickey, the only player remaining who is set to go to arbitration is Angel Pagan.  

Coming off of a career year in which Pagan posted a .290 BA and a .340 OBP, a raise would seem warranted.  Having earned $1.5 million in 2010, he has requested $4.2 million for this upcoming season, while the Mets have countered with $3 million.  The two sides have continued to negotiate, but a date with an arbitrator may be nearing.

Often injured early in his career and overlooked for older talent, as recently as last season, Pagan’s journey to the role of major league starter has experienced its fair share of delays.  This season, Pagan figures to be the team’s starting right fielder due to the return of a healthy Carlos Beltran.  Now that he has proven himself to be more than a serviceable starter, the Mets must decide what level of commitment they are ready to make to him.

The idea of adding Pagan to the team’s long term plans should seem attractive to most.  At only 29, he may only be entering his prime with several productive years still to come.  The 2010 season saw him lead the team in both batting average and stolen bases.  He provides the team with added speed and a level of versatility only eclipsed by Jose Reyes, when healthy.

Signing Pagan to a contract extension of two or more years will provide the Mets with a back-up plan on several levels.  Whether it be prior to the trade deadline this summer or through free agency following the season, Carlos Beltran will not be in Queens in 2011.  Having Pagan secured through next two seasons will ensure the Mets have a center fielder in waiting to fill Beltran’s shoes.  Additionally, having Pagan signed through next two seasons will guarantee the team a threat on the base paths, regardless of whether Jose Reyes stays with the team.

Ultimately, it would make sense for Sandy and Co. to sign Pagan long-term.  If they chose not to, the organization may be forced to sign not one, but two starting outfielders next winter.  Pagan provides the team a relatively low cost option to such a scenario.  As arbitration looms, these are the things which much be running through the minds of the Met’s brass.  What’s your take?  Should the Mets commit to Pagan for more than this upcoming season, or run the risk of losing him at season’s end?

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