The Mets are buying low-cost insurance on Dominic Smith at first base.
Adrian Gonzalez, who is attempting to resurrect his career after spending most of last season on the disabled list, agreed to terms Saturday on a one-year contract with the Mets, an industry source confirmed. The deal is contingent upon Gonzalez passing a physical.
The 35-year-old Gonzalez was released by the Braves last month after joining the team as part of a trade that sent Matt Kemp to the Dodgers. In that deal, Charlie Culberson, Brandon McCarthy and Scott Kazmir went from Los Angeles to Atlanta.
Last season, Gonzalez appeared in only 71 games for the Dodgers as he battled back injuries. Along the way, he was displaced by Cody Bellinger, who emerged as NL Rookie of the Year after replacing Gonzalez at first base. Gonzalez posted a slash line of .242/.287/.355 with three homers and 30 RBIs.
Though the Mets still view Smith as part of their long-term equation at first base, there are questions of whether he is immediately ready for the job after a disappointing six-week debut to conclude the 2017 season.
In 42 games last season, Smith posted a slash line of .198/.262/.395 with nine homers and 26 RBIs. Throughout the offseason Mets general manager Sandy Alderson has been reluctant to name Smith, who has battled weight issues, as the starting first baseman. Gonzalez gives the Mets another option.
The Mets agreed to terms Wednesday with Jay Bruce on a three-year deal worth $39 million with the idea he could see action at first base if needed. But Bruce is expected to play mostly in right field, moving Michael Conforto to center once Conforto’s left-shoulder rehab is complete following surgery.
The Mets had considered other first-base options as insurance for Smith, according to sources, including a reunion with Lucas Duda. But team brass clearly is intrigued by the risk/reward aspect of Gonzalez, who has a lifetime .847 OPS in 14 major league seasons.
But Gonzalez’s addition does nothing to address the Mets’ pressing need at second base (or third base, which would shift Asdrubal Cabrera to second). Possibilities include Neil Walker, Todd Frazier, Jose Reyes and Howie Kendrick, as the Mets remain more likely to sign a free agent than to trade from their limited pool of prospects for Pittsburgh’s Josh Harrison.
Other than Bruce and Gonzalez, the Mets have added reliever Anthony Swarzak this offseason. Swarzak signed a two-year deal worth $14 million last month and may stand as the Mets’ only bullpen addition this offseason on a major league contract as Alderson looks to allocate remaining resources toward the lineup.