More Friday Night Tears: Goodbye, Wilmer

On a Friday night in 2015, Wilmer Flores carved out a spot in Mets’ fans hearts forever. On a Friday night in 2018, Mets’ fans hearts were broken for Wilmer Flores. 

While we were all sorting through Cano/Diaz trade rumors, the decision was made to non-tender Flores and allow him to become a free agent Friday evening. In an era when it’s typically just a job for pro athletes and an emotional attachment to a city is few and far between, Flores was the exception. He loved playing for the Mets and Mets fans loved him for it.

Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. 

Flores has been with the franchise for what feels like an eternity, despite only being 27. He’s proved to be a solid bat without a true position in the field, which is odd to say considering he started five games at shortstop in a World Series. The breakout, monster season never quite came, but he consistently performed at the plate and proved to be clutch in the big spot. 

To me, the ideal situation for Flores is as a utility man/DH. He’s the type of bat championship teams have coming off the bench. My hope was to see him in that exact role with the Mets this season, but the new powers that be thought otherwise.

Look, it’s sad to see Flores go. It really is. But you know what else was sad? The Mets performance on the field these last 2 seasons. I’m not trying to pin that on Flores - at all. I’m saying changes need to be made to get the franchise back on track. Clearly, a shakeup is needed. Time will tell if it was dumb to lose Flores in that shakeup or not. 

This is likely just the start of a whole new roster coming our way... 

We’ll always be there for you, Wilmer.