After a heartbreaking loss to the San Francisco Giants on Monday, the New York Mets made a move and designated 40 year-old Bobby Abreu for assignment. This comes after a 3 month stint with the club where Abreu hit .238 with a home run and 14 RBIs. Abreu was given a chance by the Mets after being realized during Spring Training by the Phillies.
Roster Move: Bobby Abreu has been designated for assignment. A corresponding move will be made.
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 4, 2014
When Abreu first arrived in flushing, he was a big hit and for a while put on a great display in the outfield with his biggest utility being his veteran leadership to a young ball club. For a couple of weeks, Abreu even had a nice run as the teams starting right fielder. As the games went on Abreu saw less playing time due to the great surplus of outfielders the Mets had been carrying. With the loss of playing time Abreu’s hot bat cooled off. For the last month Abreu has appeared only as a pinch hitter. Since mid June, Abreu is hitting .114 and the Mets just couldn’t afford to hold on to him any longer.
Even though his bat was not what it used to be, Abreu still appeared to be the same player with his ability to work himself into deep counts, draw walks, and most importantly get on base. His power is pretty much diminished and the Mets unfortunately no longer have the need for a 40 year-old bench player. Abreu took the assignment with great class, as usual. He spent much of the time after today’s game speaking with the media something a good majority of today’s players wouldn’t do. Abreu stated that he still wants to play and will do just that if the opportunity presents itself. Even though he can still play it looks as if this may be the end of the line for Bobby Abreu who had been playing in the majors for the first time in several years.
Abreu wants to be a hitting coach someday. But first, he wants to keep playing. Thanked Mets for giving him a chance.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) August 4, 2014
In Abreu’s 15 year major league career he had 2,466 hits 288 home runs and 400 steals. His career is extremely underrated and Abreu should at least be given consideration to one day make his way to Cooperstown. Abreu made it known that he hopes to become a hitting coach in the future and there is no doubt that one day that chance will come for Bobby. He also was a classic hitter and was always able to get the job done. If this is it for Abreu congrats on a fantastic career and if he is able to land somewhere else, good for him.
The corresponding move the Mets made was calling up outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who has been up and down all season. In 30 games, this season Kirk is hitting .246 with 11 RBI. The Mets look to change things up and they watch their playoff hopes slip away with every disappointing loss.
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