The middle infielder does not provide a cost-effective solution to the Mets' shortstop issues.
After the worst full season of his career in 2013, Asdrubal Cabrera entered the 2014 season hoping to bounce back and regain his All-Star form. He began the campaign as the primary shortstop for the Cleveland Indians. After playing in 97 games, the Tribe shipped him to the Washington Nationals at the July 31 trade deadline, where he became the everyday second baseman. In a year that saw him play in the postseason, Cabrera did not do much to impress in 2014.
The switch-hitting 28-year-old amassed 416 plate appearances with the Indians last season, posting an unimpressive slash line of .246/.305/.386 with a 98 wRC+. He did not fare much better in the National League, compiling a slash line of .229/.312/.389 with a 96 wRC+ in 200 plate appearances with the Nationals. These meager numbers made for yet another unspectacular offensive campaign. On the defensive side, consistent with prior seasons, Cabrera was a liability at shortstop. He was worth -7 Defensive Runs Saved there, a bottom-five total for the position in all of baseball. These uninspiring numbers pegged him at 1.7 Wins Above Replacement, according to Fangraphs, just 15th among qualified shortstops in MLB.
Despite the Mets' need at the position, Asdrubal Cabrera and his lackluster offense and defense do not seem to be a good fit. Fangraphs projects him to receive a $33 million deal over three years, a total not worth his production. Even though league average offense at the position is an 87 wRC+, Cabrera's numbers do not justify the cost. It seems financially unwise to spend around $11 million annually for a player who cannot crack the top-ten in WAR for his position and has not been worth two wins since 2012. He does not seem capable of playing shortstop any better than the Mets' current primary option, Wilmer Flores.
Although age is not a factor—Cabrera will be 29 on Opening Day—the Mets should look elsewhere, whether in-house, a different free agent, or via trade to fill this positional hole.