Mets: 1 prospect to call up, 1 veteran to demote
By John Buhler
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Albert Almora. 4. player. 3. OF. New York Mets
Albert Almora needs to start hitting or he will be sent down to AAA Syracuse
After spending his entire professional career with the Chicago Cubs organization, veteran outfielder Albert Almora finds himself on a minor-league deal with The Amazins for one season. While he had a decent first three years in the big leagues with the Cubs, his play deteriorated in the last two seasons. He hit below the Mendoza Line at .167 in his final year with the Cubbies.
Unfortunately, Almora has not been able to do much of anything at the plate in 16 games for the 2021 Mets. He is slashing an abysmal .067/.125/.067 in 16 plate appearances. Yes, this is an incredibly limited sample size, but this is not the type of production you need out of your fourth, or even fifth outfielder at the big-league level. Almora needs to start hitting or he will be sent down.
Because he signed a minor league deal, Almora can be sent down without any real hesitation. His MLB career largely hangs in the balances right now. He has to get it right at the plate before it is too late. Otherwise, he will be sent down for Lee and if Lee plays like he can, that might be all she wrote for Almora in Mets uniform. He is a candidate to potentially be designated for assignment.
Ultimately, it is not a matter of if, but a matter of when for Lee to make his big-league debut. What remains to be seen is if Almora will be the guy sent down to Triple-A Syracuse. Frankly, Lee is one injury to the big-league roster from finally getting the call up. If he does not make his MLB debut by the end of May, something went wrong. His debut is eminent, as Almora may not be for long.
When will Lee get called up to the big leagues and is Almora the likely candidate to be sent down?
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