Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen said Wednesday that Jed Lowrie will be playing "virtually every day," noting that he'll see time at shortstop in addition to second base and third base.
Van Wagenen also said the team signed Lowrie with the intent of keeping Todd Frazier. If true, it will mean some serious work for Mickey Callaway to figure out how to distribute playing time.
"We want Mickey and the coaching staff to be collaborating with players," Van Wagenen said at Citi Field after introducing Lowrie, adding that he also wants the front office to collaborate with Callaway.
"We can play best matchups against best opponents every day," Van Wagenen concluded.
About the acquisitoin of Lowrie, Van Wagenen said the "entire front office was on the same page in wanting to bring this player aboard."
As things currently stand, the Mets have five everyday players -- Lowrie, Robinson Cano, Amed Rosario, Todd Frazier, and Peter Alonso -- for four spots. That doesn't include Jeff McNeil, who Van Wagenen said will see lots of time in the outfield.
The Mets reached out to Lowrie early during the offseason and stayed in contact throughout. And the way their offseason shaped up helped Lowrie make his decision.
"It's been an aggressive offseason here," Lowrie said. "I think a lot of the moves that led up to us kind of rekindling in the New Year helped make this decision easier."