Free Agent Profile: Gio Urshela, IF

GIO URSHELA, IF

Position: IF
B/T: R/R
Age: 32 (10/11/1991)

2023 Traditional Stats: 62 G, 228 PA, .299/.329/.374/.703, 2 HR, 24 RBI, 8 2B, 10 BB, 3 SB
2023 Advanced Stats: 92 wRC+, 15.8% SO%, 4.4% BB%, .346 BABIP, .288 xwOBA, 0.4 fWAR, 0.8 bWAR

RUNDOWN

Gio Urshela was the Opening Day shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels, playing on the left side of the infield with Anthony Rendon to begin the 2023 season. His role within the team would change short thereafter, as Rendon’s history of nagging injuries continued to plague him. The former Washington National landed on the injured list, resulting in Urshela moving back over to third base.

The 32-year-old’s bat picked up in May, hitting .315 with a .788 OPS across 102 plate appearances. While he struggled to showcase any sort of power, he was able to contribute with a few more extra base hits with Rendon missing some time.

But that would all come to an abrupt end on June 15 against the Texas Rangers, as Urshela would fracture his pelvis while running down to first base on a ground ball. That injury would ultimately end his season, leaving the Angels in a very difficult position. His impact went under the radar, but like some many of his teammates, injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential.

CONTRACT

Urshela is coming off an injury-plagued season, so he is likely to get a one-year deal on the open market. He could potentially earn a one-year deal with an option to extend for a second through a club option, but that will vary from organization to organization. He made a career-best $8.4 million with the Angels last season, so I expect his AAV to be very similar to that. I have Urshela securing a one-year deal, earning $7.5 million for the 2024 season.

RECOMMENDATION

The Mets went into this off-season with no clear hole at third base, as general manager David Stearns said from the start that Ronny Mauricio, Brett Baty and Mark Vientos would battle it out for the starting role. But Mauricio is now set to miss all of the 2024 season with a torn ACL, so the outlook at third base has changed. The front office felt they needed to add a veteran, which they did with the signing of Joey Wendle at the end of November. He has experience at second base, third base and even shortstop, adding versatility to a big league roster that received that from long-time Met Luis Guillorme before being non-tendered by the club just over a month ago.

Urshela is part of a group of infielders that the team could target, although there has been no word as to whether or not the Mets have interest in him. In recent days, reports surfaced that the organization has been in talks with Justin Turner. If the Mets are unable to reach an agreement with the 39-year-old, Urshela would be a good alternative. The Mets have much bigger needs, mainly in the starting rotation, but adding depth to their pool of position players will be crucial. If Urshela is unable to find an everyday role with another organization this winter, a return to New York would certainly benefit both sides.

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