The Mets found their man, inking outfielder Curtis Granderson to a four-year, $60 million deal. What are the fantasy implications?
The Mets have agreed to a four-year, $60 million deal with free-agent outfielder Curtis Granderson. The deal was first reported by the New York Post's Joel Sherman, and later confirmed by FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal and CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman.
#Mets have a 4-yr agreement with Curtis Granderson, the Post has learned
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 6, 2013Source: Granderson to #Mets: Four years, $60M. First reported: @Joelsherman1
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 6, 2013Granderson, who turns 33 in March, played in 61 games with the Yankees this season, hitting .229/.317/.407 with seven home runs, 31 runs, 15 RBIs and eight steals. Granderson was limited to 245 plate appearances after suffering a broken forearm in spring training and later suffering a pinkie injury in-season, but that didn't stop the free-agent outfielder from seeking a four-year deal.
The 10-year veteran owns a career slash line of .261/.340/.488 with 217 home runs and 122 steals, including back-to-back seasons of 40-plus home runs, 100-plus runs and 100-plus RBIs in 2011 and 2012. Granderson will add some much needed thump to a Mets' lineup that was 26th in home runs (130); only the Cardinals (125), Royals (112), Giants (107) and Marlins (95) were worse. He has, however, averaged 182 strikeouts since 2011 (not including this season).
Moving from Yankee Stadium to Citi Field will hurt Granderson's power numbers overall, but 30 home runs are still in play for the left-hander. According to Stat Corner, Citi Field had a Park Factor of 102 for left-handers this season, compared to 116 for Yankee Stadium. While the difference is significant, Granderson's power bat should still play in the other New York. The Mets have moved in their fences since the park was first built, for what it's worth.
Depending on future moves made by the Mets, you can expect Granderson's run and RBI totals to go down from previous years; he tallied 102 runs and 106 RBIs in his last full season (2012) with the Yankees. The everyday left fielder -- presumably -- should fit nicely in the middle of New York's lineup, which now features a healthy dose of hitters from each side of the plate, including right-handed third baseman David Wright. Granderson joins Juan Lagares and the recently-acquired Chris Young in the Mets' outfield. Batting average is always a question mark for Granderson, who hit .262 in 2011 and .232 in 2012. I don't feel safe projecting anything better than a .245-.250 BA.
Overall, Granderson's fantasy prospects are on the decline, but that would have been the case if he stayed a Yankee, too. This just makes it a little less desirable to own Granderson going forward.
