On the rise of Andres Gimenez and what his Mets future could hold

When discussing the ascent of slick-fielding Mets infielder Andres Gimenez, it's important to note that it did not come out of nowhere.

Gimenez, 21, was widely viewed as one of the best-fielding infielders in all of the minors, was a top 100 prospect per most of the respected rankings, and was one of the top prospects in the Mets' farm system.

But Gimenez, with his relatively slight stature and offensive numbers in the minors that did not jump off the page, got lost in the shuffle a bit as Amed Rosario had a breakthrough season in the majors in 2019 and fellow prospect Ronny Mauricio became (for many) the heir apparent for the Mets at shortstop if Rosario faltered or was moved off the position. 

The mild surprise here is that Gimenez -- who didn't play a single game in Triple-A and who made the Mets' Opening Day roster -- has made such a smooth transition to the majors on both sides of the ball.

But there are two reasons why that surprise is only mild.

First, Gimenez was often one of the youngest offensive players at each minor league level he reached, making it hard to put his numbers in the proper context.

Second, Gimenez had a bit of an offensive breakthrough in the Arizona Fall League last season, which seems to have carried over to 2020.

Shortly after the Mets announced their 30-man roster in late-July, GM Brodie Van Wagenen was asked about the somewhat surprising inclusion of Gimenez (though we had him making the cut on our earliest roster projections). And Van Wagenen went on to list the numerous ways he felt Gimenez could help the team -- his defense, his speed, his offensive ability.

Now, having been thrust into a starting role with Rosario, Jeff McNeil, and Robinson Cano all injured, Gimenez is opening eyes and perhaps making the Mets think more about how he'll fit into their long-term plans.

Defensively, Gimenez's skills have been on full display in the early going thie season -- his Javier Baez-like tag on a stolen base attempt, the heady play he made on Wednesday when he kept the tag on Juan Soto as he slid off third base and was called out, his incredible range, his soft hands, and his strong and accurate arm.

The defensive prowess alone is arguably enough to make Gimenez stick, but his offensive game has also been impressive. 

Gimenez is hitting .320/.346/.400 in 26 plate apperances, as his line drive and contact approach has translated to the majors. He has only struck out twice, and has put together some of the most impressive at-bats by any Met this season.

The question now becomes what Gimenez's role will become this season and beyond.

The defensive display put on by Gimenez (at shortstop), Luis Guillorme (at second base), and even J.D Davis (at third base) during Wednesday night's win over the Nats has to have the Mets salivating a bit over what their infield could look like if they put defense first.

Perhaps that means shifting McNeil to left field, having Davis split time between third base and DH (with Dominic Smith also getting plenty of time at DH) and having Gimenez get starts at third base, second base, and shortstop. The Mets could also reduce the moving parts and have Gimenez play second base until Cano returns.

But what do the Mets do when Cano returns? And what should the plan with Gimenez be in 2021 and beyond?

Mauricio, who profiles as a legitimate five-tool player if things break right, could force another decision at the big league level as soon as 2022. But his frame might necessitate a move to third base.

Rosario, whose defensive struggles at shortstop early in 2019 led the Mets to consider a potential move to center field, improved in a big way defensively in the second half of 2019. But Gimenez is still the much better defender.

Perhaps one potential alignment for the Mets in seasons to come has Mauricio at third base, Gimenez at shortstop, McNeil at second base, Rosario in center field, and Cano as the DH (with it widely expected that the universal DH will soon be permanently implemented).

With the Mets not having any impact outfield prospects close to the majors, moving Rosario to center field really isn't a crazy thought -- especially if it's done to accommodate an alignment like the above.

For now, though, Gimenez will continue to get a chance to show what he can do as the Mets ponder what the future could hold.