Throughout the years, Marlon Byrd has been known for some amazing play in the outfield, and the New York Mets are hoping for some spark from the player after signing Byrd to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
Byrd, who has had experience in center field, is expected to compete with Andrew Brown for the fifth outfielder’s job. Currently, the Mets have three left-handed starting outfielders in Lucas Duda, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Mike Baxter-Byrd, whose right-handed batting may help in mixing up the line-up come spring.
Last season, Byrd hit .210 with one homer and nine RBI’s in 47 games for the Cubs and the Red Sox. But there is one blemish on Marlon's career--the outfielder tested positive for Tamoxifen in June of 2012. While not a performance-enhancing drug, Tamoxifen is still a banned substance the league.
If he remains healthy and clean, Byrd can be a great contributor to the Mets. His combination of a great glove and consistent hitting should be a positive addition to the franchise.
With the addition of Byrd, it seems as if the Mets are finished with adding outfielders. The Hot Stove had the franchise possibly dealing with Michael Bourn, but that would cost them their first-round draft pick.
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