Jesse Winker certainly turned heads this postseason with the New York Mets, with his hot streak making some fans forget about his less-than-stellar September. Even though J.D.

Martinez was in the spotlight for his slump, Winker’s numbers without his grand slam weren’t any more inspiring. Yet, come October, Winker found his groove, becoming a pivotal figure for the Mets’ playoff hopes.

The team is considering bringing him back in a dual role as a designated hitter (DH) and occasional outfielder.

But let’s play the “What if” game—what if the Mets decide to chart a different course? Joc Pederson recently opted out of a $14 million deal, making him a compelling candidate. Pederson could bring a similar spark to the Mets that Winker did, with the bonus of a more consistent track record.

Having spent his entire MLB career in the National League, Pederson wrapped up his stint with the Arizona Diamondbacks after just one season. Whether it was a financial decision or a change in scenery, Pederson’s recent performance offers much to discuss. His time with the Diamondbacks featured a .275/.393/.515 slash line alongside 23 home runs and 64 RBIs in 449 plate appearances, a performance echoing his All-Star days with the San Francisco Giants in 2022.

Those numbers came after a slightly less productive year, suggesting that the move to Arizona might have given his power stats a boost. It’s noticeable that Pederson embraced the role of a left-handed DH, a trend some teams have grown weary of. Still, a DH platoon involving Pederson and someone like Starling Marte could be an appealing strategy for the Mets.

Pederson’s numbers against right-handed pitchers are impressive, as he posted a .281/.392/.531 slash line. Interestingly, he also managed a .405 on-base percentage against lefties, aided by a league-leading effort in getting hit by pitches. Pederson’s batting prowess wasn’t a product of his home field, as his road numbers were nearly identical, even if Coors Field proved to be a challenge.

Yet the decision might come down to more than just numbers. Both Winker and Pederson share infectious energy and charisma that lights up a clubhouse. However, Winker’s versatility on the field gives him an edge, considering Pederson’s reluctance—or rather, his declining ability—to take up fielding duties.

Financial considerations play a crucial role, as Pederson could command more than the Mets are willing to spend on a part-time player. But if it’s the Winker-like energy and production the Mets are after, Pederson comes very close to fitting that bill.