The outfielder and first baseman could compete with Ike Davis for playing time throughout the season.
The Mets avoided arbitration once again today, agreeing to a one-year $1.6375 million dollar deal with hitter Lucas Duda. The defensively challenged outfielder is coming off another season of above average offense (120 wRC+, despite a .223 batting average) and way below average defense (-16.5 defensive runs).
Duda will enter spring training with an outside chance at taking the first base job from Ike Davis, although the incumbent remains the favorite to at least begin the season at first. General manager Sandy Alderson recently said that Duda will continue to see time in the outfield as long as he and Davis remain with the team.
The soon-to-be 28-year-old remains under the Mets’ control until the 2017 season. He has one minor league option left.
Lucas has shown above average patience (11.3 BB%) and power during his first 350 games as a big leaguer, but will likely remain a liability on defense and on the basepaths.
