His once-promising career was derailed on and off the field in 2014, but the Mets should still be interested in the 2013 All-Star.
The San Diego Padres have non-tendered 28-year-old shortstop Everth Cabrera, according to Corey Brock of MLB.com. An All-Star in 2013, Cabrera suffered through a season of turmoil before the Padres decided not to pay the roughly $3 million he was projected to make in arbitration for 2015.
In 2012, Cabrera impressed by stealing 44 bases in 48 attempts, but struggled to establish himself at the plate. It wasn't until 2013 that the Nicaraguan broke out; his .291/.373/.396 first-half line, coupled with 34 steals in 42 attempts, was enough to earn him his first All-Star selection. But Cabrera's breakout season came to a halt in August, when he was suspended 50 games for using performance-enhancing drugs.
Cabrera's troubles extended into his 2014 season, in which he battled injuries—he played in only 90 games—and hit an ugly .232/.272/.300. In September, his nightmare season reached its nadir when he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana. The now-former Padre was charged with resisting arrest.
Despite his troubles both on and off the field, Cabrera is an intriguing target for the Mets. His ability to play above-average defense makes him an upgrade at shortstop, while his propensity to take a walk and his blazing speed make him a potential fix atop the batting order. There is a very real chance he never comes close to repeating his 2013 season, but his 7.8% career walk rate and his 136 stolen bases in 174 attempts make him worth looking into. With the dearth of quality shortstops around the league, Cabrera should not have trouble finding suitors.