The Indians have officially announced a deal with the Mets that’ll bring outfielder Jay Bruce to Cleveland. Going to New York in return is 22-year-old righty Ryder Ryan. All of Bruce’s remaining salary — around $4MM of the $13MM annual obligation — will land on Cleveland’s books.
It’s hardly a major surprise to hear of a deal involving Bruce; indeed, he ranked second on the list of top August trade candidates that we just published earlier this evening. The fading Mets have given signals they’d consider making him a qualifying offer, but that never seemed a sure thing.
Bruce has turned in a quality season thus far for the Mets after being shopped around a bit last winter. Entering today, he carried a .258/.324/.524 slash and had launched 29 long balls. Long in the doghouse of advanced metrics for his work in the outfield, Bruce has posted much improved numbers there, though his baserunning marks have since faded.
There was talk before the deadline that Cleveland would have interest in Bruce. That seems all the more necessary now, with Michael Brantley joining Lonnie Chisenhall on the DL and the Royals continuing to hang around in the AL Central. Bruce’s lefty power bat will fill in the gap while those two players work back and add quite a bit of firepower to the overall offensive mix for a hopeful postseason run.
Bruce will no doubt be pleased with the trade; indeed, he had reportedly indicated a willingness to waive his partial no-trade clause to go to a contender (though the Indians were not on it, per Ken Rosenthal of MLB Network, on Twitter). Instead of possibly drawing a qualifying offer after playing out a lost Mets season, he will enter free agency free and clear of any draft compensation while joining a contender.
Though New York will give up the chance to issue Bruce a qualifying offer, it’s not hard to see the reasoning here. The 30-year-old is a quality player, but a roughly $18MM salary — even for a single year — is no small amount. Plus, Bruce’s continuing presence with the Mets would’ve meant for an awkward outfield mix, as the team would’ve presumably bumped Michael Conforto into significant time in center. Instead, the Mets can utilize Conforto in right, pairing Juan Lagares with Brandon Nimmo or another player in center, while perhaps redirecting some of those resources. It’s worth bearing in mind, too, that the new CBA would only have given the Mets a pick after the second round if Bruce had declined the QO and signed elsewhere. Plus, the Mets will now have a cleaner path for the promotion of first base prospect Dominic Smith.
Clearing Bruce’s remaining salary is likely the main driver here. But Ryan will bring another interesting arm to the New York system. He is said to have plenty of velocity in the tank, though he also has limited experience on the mound after mostly playing in the field during college. Through 41 1/3 frames at the Class A level this year, Ryan owns a 4.79 ERA with 10.7 K/9 against 3.7 BB/9.
ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick (via Twitter) first reported a deal was in the works. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter) said it was being finalized; Ken Rosenthal of MLB Network (Twitter link) first said the deal was done. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported the prospect return on Twitter.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
wow maybe a game changer
Yes please
Well that was quick
Great player !
My guess…Indians aren’t going to WS anyway!
2018, they fall apart….
I want whatever you’re on
Ur the slow pitch softball guy w/full Barry Bonds regalia….including bullet proof lead batting arm hardware….let the adults discuss baseball….deek!
Indians are nothing but fat heads….lead by the elderly stuck in old school !
November….. check old posts !
Deek fat, dumb and stupid is no way to go through life, son.
Your intelligent response to my opinion shows who is fat, dumb and stupid, son.
Sounds like you know that from personal experience kid.
Deek is right nooooo way they can ever beat the Astros
Even if they could, they would never win WS….my opinion is the beloved Tito pushes players way to hard causing injury and a player dislike for him.
My Vegas bet goes against Cleveland!
Next year, most ( FAs) move on and eddy declines faster than To-go ( Tulo) and Tista!
can he close?
Last year they had several arms in the pen. Cubs fan here, so I haven’t seen them. Are they having problems setting up Miller ?
Not really, other than the usual headaches that Bryan Shaw causes us Indians fans…I’m not sure what he was talking about when he asked that hahaha
Miller is currently injured.
The Indians have an outstanding bullpen with four guys who have experience in high leverage situations.
Why can’t the average fan understand that even the best relievers are going to give up runs once in a while?
The Indians have one of the best bullpens in baseball with four very solid guys with experience in high leverage situations.
Even the best relievers are going to give up runs once in a while.
Doesn’t need to. Check the stats. Jesus god man. No one understands relievers anymore.
Is it necessary to use the Lord’s name in vain?
Is it necessary to spew your religion in a baseball forum?
Uh, if you’ll notice, my “spew” was a reply. That means the other guy brought it up first. Simply put, if he hadn’t, I wouldn’t have.
Oh…….and praise Jesus!
I don’t think you know the definition of spew
Yeah, tell the invisible man in the sky I said hello
Bruh I just laughed so hard praise Jesus lmao
That would help, because Cody sure is having problems with that.
Man, they moved fast as soon as Brantley went down. Good for them on pulling the trigger.
Good move. Bruce doesn’t deserve all the hate he receives.
Are you saying he deserves some of it?
He may deserve the occasional chiding. But few ppl deserve any hate.
For who
Ryder Ryan
Am I the only one thinking ‘Finally Lol”
It was well known Bruce was on the block. Interested to see public reaction to this trade since, it feels like the Bruce trade rumors have been going on forever.
I’ve read many comments who said demand for Bruce was not there. Did Sandy prove these people wrong
No. Sandy didn’t prove anybody wrong. They got a non-prospect in return because of lack of demand.
Guys… It was a genuine honest question..? Why 5 dislikes!?
Mets have had Bruce on the block since they picked up his $13M option AFTER they resigned Cespedes..
Do you guys think I’m trying to troll? I’m really not! I don’t follow either team. Just looking to hear different perspectives on this trade.. Wow Sorry for asking..
Just wanted to hear different perspectives what you think how it all played out, in the grand scheme of things Amazing the guy who answered my legitimate question got 3 likes, and I get 5D just for asking it..Why so personal?
Anyone would be happy to leave that place! Having those old good for nothing farts as coaches is the problem. Nobody I mean nobody believes in or wants to play for Collins or Hudgens
Um…. Who is Hudgens?
Does it really matter who Hudgens is?
The Muts need to put their lips together and blow. A hideous organization.
@jg_916
What’s hideous is your decision to post what you did.
The Muts play in one of the worst divisions in the game, with ONE team above .500, and they STILL can’t at least break even. By-and-by: have you seen the lineup they run out there?!? Pathetic.
And since when is using a Marilyn Monroe film quote considered “hideous”?
Muts fans…SMH
Um…. Which Monroe quote would that be? Surely you aren’t referring to The “Muts need to put their lips together and blow” as that would be Lauren “Betty” Bacall’s line. I’ll wait….
And, as noted below, Hudgens is the Astros hitting coach, not the Mets coach, who remains Kevin Long. Lotta folks too lazy to use teh google tonight.
Marty Hudgens is the son of a Republican heavy hitter . He ran against Cam Brady (D-NC), a four-term Congressman .
The Mets have been hurt by injuries to their biggest strength (starting rotation). I haven’t seen or read a single thing saying that Terry Collins lost the clubhouse. I mean we’re talking about a manager who is two years removed from taking his team to the World Series. The team has been done in by injuries, inconsistency, and bad roster moves moreso than anything Collins is at fault for.
If the Muts blow up any more starting pitchers, the only place Collins is taking that team to is Triple A. It’s “Generation K” all over again!
‘TC’ is symbolic of the team’s futility. He’s a mental midget who produced a winning team that went to the post season as a result of burning through a promising young pitching staff. Your lack of acceptance JT (and other blind loyalists) allows support for an organization that has been operating in one of the two largest markets with a mini market approach.
Please don’t salivate your stories about “look at our payroll the past couple of years’ because the team was playing catch up for cheaping out for a decade. Without the ability to develop real farm talent, it pissed away it’s resources as knee jerk reactions.letting a proven winner like Murphy go when he literally carried the team through the playoffs on his back is reprehensible. Doing the one year deal made sense with Cespedes, but then giving him such a multi year deal was a joke. But hey, they finally have Bobby Bo’s contract coming off the books soon, right.
Poor player development, coupled with hyping results for AAA players hitting in Las Vegas is comical. Inability to recall players easily mind boggling. Then bringing up a career minor league pitcher to fill a whole for a Sunday game and arranging for him to come off of a red eye flight is reprehensible and irresponsible.
On the field, there is no control. I mean how many trips and games on the DL for Cespedes before they start talking to him about drinking water. You can’t make this stuff up. Complete mismanagement of “the Dark Knight” and allowing “Thor” to do whatever he wanted is hard to comprehend. Combined with all the other mismanagement you have to wonder where ownership’s head is at? It’s too bad that they weren’t more relevant because SNL could develop a new weekly skit to replace the Shaun Spicer series. Who would play TC?
They let Sandy run the team because he was imposed on them for previous regime incompetencies. All that daddy and son Wilson want to do is pretend to be in charge, yet all they really do is collect the fan’s money, both directly and through SNY; and then buy more dodgers memoriabilia.
So ok Mets whiners, let’s set the record straight about why a NYYankee fan is ranting on your make believe fantasy. The Mets were supposed to provide NYC with a national league team that was consistently relevant. Harken the 50’s as the golden period. Rivalry is good for NYC.
So go to your group therapy session with ‘metseventually’ and ‘mets2015nlchamps2016wschamps’. This salary dump is the cherry on top of the whip cream and nuts, the hot fudge and assorted ice cream flavors. There’s nothing else to add except start your boycott of the team to end the insanity.
Also don’t show up next Monday and Tuesday night in the Bronx wearing your silly orange and blue caps. This logo represents the laughing stock of NYC and will only be able to remove its tarnish when the Wilpon’s are forced to sell the team to a serious and committed owner.
Anyone else read this? This guy is seriously nuts- probably spends all day waiting for me to comment back. Get a life, you piece of sh*t.
Lol you mean Dave Hudgens? Hitting coach for the Astros? You know, the team with one of the best offenses in the league
@DaKingoftheNorth What has ”old” got to do with it? I will tell you, nothing. Age has no bearing on whether a Manager is a good manager or not, that is a fact.
Bruce going from a horrible team to a playoff team… doesn’t get any sweeter
I just feel sorry for the players that are heading to NY !
Yeah, sure does suck for the minor leaguers who get a better shot at ML money. Bet they’re pissed.
Hope it’s for Chisenhall straight up?
Chisenhall was the most productive hitter in that lineup before he went down.
The Muts are a pathetic mess–start the countdown till Granderson gets freed from that bumbling, stumbling, fumbling, amateurish organization.
…who went to the playoffs 2 years in a row, and 1 World Series, before 5 of their top 7 SPs and their closer and their starting LF (and best hitter), 1B, 2B, and SS all spent significant time on the DL (with many still there). Yes…terrible organization. Totally should have won anyway. What kind of organization can’t make the playoffs with half their ML roster on the DL??
Couldn’t say it better pjmcnu.
Injuries are part of the game, EVERYONE has them. The Yankees lost Bird for the majority of the season, Castro for two months, Gregorius for a month, Sanchez for a month, Holliday has been useless from a viral infection for the entire second half, Hicks for six weeks…so cry me a river about those injuries to mediocre at best (other than Snydergard) Muts players. And if he hadn’t muscled-up last winter, he wouldn’t be hurt now. What. An. Idiot.
Had Alderson built a strong minor league system, Metsies could’ve withstood the injuries like all the other teams fighting for a post season berth. And, oooow, Muts made the playoffs two whole years in a row, WOW!!! But then, with a pitiful two WS championships in 55 YEARS, it doesn’t take a whole lot to impress fans of a team that plays its game in Flushing.
The Mets have had far more injuries than the Yankees. Also, the Yankees have not made the playoffs yet this season and haven’t in 4 of the last 5 seasons. Further, their payroll for this season is almost $100 million more than the Mets payroll.
Also, the Mets have had a fine minor league system under Alderson. They just called up a top 5 prospect in Rosario and are poised to bring up Dominic Smith, another top prospect, any day now. Syndergaard, Conforto, Nimmo are Alderson guys.
When you build a team around young hard throwing pitchers you are going to be more susceptible to injuries. At some point, this stops being, “just bad luck”.
You saying “muts” instead of mets was never funny. You can stop now
Is it too late/early for me to jump on the Cleveland bandwagon with the Tigers playing like the 90s?
The Cleveland pitching staff and bullpen are phenomenal.
They might be a dark horse to win the AL.
I mean, they won it last year so would they really be a dark horse
Boston and Houston have more hype.
And the being the Yankees gets some recognition too even if they end up being a wild card team.
Fair enough
Indians make post season, but no return to WS
Youre a Tigers fan. The Indians hate us but its your call
The lower we finish in the standings, the higher our draft position and the more likely Al Avila gets a good prospect.
The faster the rebuilding process goes the better and since we aren’t winning the central this year, I hope the rest of the central helps us rebuild by pushing us lower in the standings.
Giving up Ryder Ryan to get a few months of Jay Bruce is a great deal. I remember commenting a few days ago that the Indians could probably get Jay Bruce for next to nothing, and a few people seemed to disagree and thought that Bruce would definitely get a QO. This is my chance to say I told you so hahaha
Cleveland took on all of Bruce’s salary, so it’s not quite nothing. He probably would have gotten – and declined – a QO this offseason but obviously we’ll never know now.
If the Mets traded him for Ryder Ryan, they weren’t going to give him a QO. This seems like a return along the lines of “we’ll get nothing for him in a few months so we might as well get a warm body in return”
What the Mets got in the deal was $4M. They ‘could’ sign Bruce as a FA, though I think they’d be better off spending their money on a 3B like Moustakas. With over 80M coming off the books, the Mets can do some legitimate signings this off season.
Why on earth would Moustakas want to sign with the Muts, after he’s a FA?!? He’ll sign with a team having a chance at the postseason next year–not in ten years.
And if you think Bruce will entertain resigning with Team Flushing, you need to wake up cause you’re dreaming!
Moustakas isn’t really having that great a year and is going to be massively overpaid because of homers, which everyone is hitting. Bruce would have declined a QO, so the Mets would have gotten a comp pick.
Anyone else on the Muts hit 31 homers this year? No?? Then EVERYONE isn’t hitting them!
Conforto has a chance
Michael Conforto has been a more valuable player this year than Mike Moustakas has, and it isn’t even close. Those 31 homers look a little less impressive when you consider the cratering of his walk rate and the decline in his defensive value. I’m pretty sure the Yankees regret signing Chase Headley after his fluky outlier season; some team is going to feel the same way about Moustakas in a few years.
The return for the Mets is Ryder Ryan, an A-ball relief prospect who has promising strikeouts but lacking command. So… dime a dozen player for one of the best corner outfield bats on the August market. Wow.
“for the best corner outfield bats on the August market”
Allow me to expand on your statement:
“..Available for few months, and inability to get anything for him since he won’t be QO eligible”
I think It’s a miracle they traded him at all. My question to you guys Mets and non-Mets fans alike:
Would you rather offer Bruce the QO, not put effort to resign him, to take the QO prospect if he signs somewhere else?
Seems to be a $$$$ saving move since the only reason they wouldn’t offer him the QO for a chance at a better prospect (if he signs somewhere else) was because they wouldn’t want Bruce, a 30HR guy and most consistent guy in their Lineup for one year $18MM (strong chance he takes the QO)
the QO system has pretty much been nuked. rather get the minor leaguers.
I would still rather have a 2nd rd pick than a 22 yr old converted infielder a year removed from being a 30th rd pick. Hell, Mookie Betts was a 5th rd pick the year we took Brandon Nimmo.
Would you be willing to risk taking Bruce for 1 year $18MM if / when he accepts QO??
From all indications, (and amt. of dislikes I’ve been getting on every post I tried arguing they should’ve Lol) it seems like a forgone conclusion in this thread Bruce would accept the QO, he’s not worth 1 year $18MM and they should’ve accepted this “return”
Trumbo got 3 years $37.5MM and he’s the protypical High K, low OBP, high power guy who led the league in homers.
I think Bruce would’ve denied the QO.. I think a Mark Trumbo-esque three year deal would be his floor.. (albeat lower AAV) And I think Mets should’ve risked him accepting 1year QO than take inferior prospects..
First off, Bruce would almost definitely accept the QO if offered. Secondly, if he did decline the Mets would probably get nothing in return because I seriously doubt anyone is giving Jay Bruce $50MM + this offseason.
Better to get something than nothing. Not many playoff teams/contender needed a hitter (Red Sox and Indians really) or an outfielder. So the Mets are working in a buyer’s market. Then you gotta consider that Bruce is a rental, and for the Mets, you have to consider what is more valuable: the prospect (even if he is a long way off and still needs developing) or the qualifying offer compensation.
But you do get something.. chance to re-sign him to a bargain rate one year $18MM contract (which h I think is a bargain for a player of Bruce’s caliber in this day and age) If he takes the QO, you hope he replicates his success with the Mets past 2 years, then hope to flip him for better return.
No reason for the Wilpons to be cheap.. They have so much money coming off books! So much itt’s difficult to count all of of them (even after the trades)
The only “bad” multi-year commitment they have is David Wright, which is mostly covered by insurance. I don’t even think Cespedes is a bad contract (but that’s a story for another day)
Bruce’s salary this year was $13m, what makes you think he is worth $18m (and calling it cheap for him)?
I think because it’s only a 1 year contract and somebody like him would get 3 on the open market.
With the Mets, he was the only consistent hitter, power, 30 years old, even improved his defense and my personal fave:
“No such thing as a bad one year deal”
Well.. only for the Wilpons!
I would’ve held, rather than sell low on Bruce due to lack demand in a buyer’s market. You give yourself a chance at a ‘QO prospect’, or retain Bruce for one year-$18MM (you have another year to trade him for better package)
But it’s not my money
Such a brilliant idea. Why didn’t they think of that? Oh, because it’s not such a brilliant idea..
Bruce isn’t that valuable. Fine, resign him for 1 year 18 mil. It’s not a great deal, it’s an overpay, but only 1 year. What about when they are in the same spot next year after they can’t move him (again)?
The guy was worth a nobody at $13m while playing at his peak; you think his trade value will go up at $18m..
So did the Mets basically trade Duda, Reed and Bruce for 5 of the same player?
They guys they got for Reed and Duda have much higher ceilings (late-inning reliever potential)
This guy is moreso just filler/low-ceiling relief, however that is simply due to the fact that the Mets’ didn’t have quite as much leverage now as they did last month, and Cleveland ate the entire salary.
Oh yeah, I should say that I think that all three returns make sense given the market and contract statuses involved.
I love the new energy this new FO is approaching the game with!!! This is exactly that type of assertive, shrewd move Tribe fans have been begging the front office to embrace for decades!!
Mark Shapiro going to Toronto is the best thing to happen to the Tribe’s front office in, like, forever!
I concur…
Love it for the Indians- this is reminiscent of the Giants acquisition of Cody Ross back in 2010. It really could pay dividends not just while Brantley is recovering, but in October where the depth will be exceptionally important.
Mets fans can’t be too mad either. They were able to save some money and get an A-ball reliever back which is better than nothing. Ryan’s peripherals suggest that he is pitching better than the numbers suggest. Hitters have a .345 BABIP against him and he has posted a 3.83 FIP as well as a 3.53 FIPx. While it seems more than likely that he is just an organizational filler piece, I wouldn’t be totally surprised to see him become a taxi-squad reliever.
This is good all-around analysis
Seriously?!?! Please do not bring your rational, well-informed analysis, backed up with data, to the comments. HOT TAKES ONLY!
According to Joel Sherman- Source: #Yankees offered multiple prospects and to take on soe of Bruce $, thought deal was possible, #Mets went another way
Dont think that is true at all
Heyman says they were in on him too
the yankees were in on jay bruce, but sources say they wanted mets to pay some of the $ remaining. indians will pay rest of $.
The Yankees could’ve used Bruce as a much-needed lefty power bat to slip between Judge and Sanchez. But the Muts hierarchy proved that winning at ANY point is nowhere near as important to them as MONEY, with Cle taking on all the remaining salary and Yanks wanting to take a part.
Instead of the couple of decent young prospects Yanks offered, Metsies said, Heck NO!! We want the money and would rather have a guy who won’t ever smell the big leagues (not by going 4-5 with a 4.75 ERA, he won’t!!)
And there you go, Muts fan: all your ownership cares about is the cash. Sad.
Good move sandy, now get us a third baseman and a center fielder with all this money coming off the books.
Can we give you Ellsbury????
i saw the post now…
Lmao, I’m not sure why the downvotes. I’m just posting what verified accounts are posting. Multiple sources have confirmed this. Even Marc Craig who is a Mets writer.
Marc CarigVerified account @MarcCarig 9h9 hours ago
More
Yankees did indeed offer multiple prospects for Jay Bruce. Mets chose to deal with Cleveland instead.
Don’t take it personal MB9.. This has to be the most disliked thread in mlbtr history.. Literally, I’ve never seen more dislikes in 1 place not just for you, but for everyone.. Touchy subject..
Haha, not taking it personal. Just thought people would think I’m posting nothing but a rumor. Perhaps it’s Mets fans doing it thinking the Wilpons aren’t cheap.
Jay Bruce had a no-trade to the Yankees. Even if what you’re saying is true, Bruce himself could have just said no.
Good point. Forgot about his NTC.
Sandy gave Bruce away for nothing but salary relief. Should have hold on to him and get draft picks.
They would not get draft picks. They would have gotten one pick around the second round type. They must feel this pitcher is as good as that. Plus if Bruce would accept the QO then they get no picks and have to pay him $18 million plus!!
100% agree, metvibes.
I hope the prospect defies all expectations and proves us wrong.
and I’m a Yankees fan! I don’t like how the Wilpons do business. You deserve better.
Two reasons I’m happy the Yankees didn’t get Bruce. He was lost in New York and on the Yankees the spotlight shines much brighter. Second, he is a strikeout, rally ending machine.
Yankees couldnt get him anyways cuz the Mets never trade w them
So if the Yankees offered say Torres or Frazier, the Wilpons would say no? Yes obviously the Yankees would never do that, but hence the If.
Bruce is a Tito type of player who will fit well in with his team. Wish the Red Sox would have picked him up, but Tito will love him.
I follow our minor league players, but have never seen anything about this Ryder Ryan guy.
Serious App Store spam trying to read this.
So he’s a chicken and beer kind of guy with Tito? All good. I like Tito and I like Bruce. Talented guy who for whatever reasons doesn’t seem to get as much credit as one would think. Good luck with him as an Indian. They just got better with EE and JB in the 3/4 or 4/5 holes. A couple smashers. As George Scott would say, “hittin Taters everywhere”.
I would like to know who the Yankees were willing to multiple prospect up?
Ryder Ryan is definitely a name you’d find on the Giants roster.
jg_916 you are a special kind of idiot aren’t you? The Muts as you refer to them have had a depleted roster by injuries. And these trades were not a surprise to anyone for any reason. No team loses 5 starting pitchers and than expects to have any success at all. Look at the roster not only was the pitching get all year this year but so was the lineup. Cespedes, Conforto, Duda, Walker, Cabrera, Lagares amongst some of them all missed time to the DL and these aren’t back up players who the mets lost to injury that’s the core of the lineup and of course not to mention David Wright who at this point should just retire. Again stop hating on the mets and go support your stupid team whichever team that is.
Pretty sad the Mets GM cares more about sticking it to the Yankees then getting better players for his team. So the Yankees were willing to give up multiple prospects and some money for Bruce, but the Mets didn’t want to do it because it’s the Yankees. They did the samething with Duda.
Shouldn’t the Mets GM be focused on making his team better and it shouldn’t matter who you deal with asking as it makes your team better.
That organization over there is nothing but a money grubbing circus. I’ve said it about them signing and then promoting Tebow,and he’ll get called up in September. I saw a report released on his impact on attendance,he’s a sideshow and the Mets are a laughingstock!
Jay Bruce had a limited no-trade clause, with the Yankees on his list, so I’d think that definitely played a factor in this. Yanks can offer the moon but if JB is just gonna veto the trade, why should Sandy bother?
Just for the record, all indications were that he’d have accepted just about any trade to a contender — in fact, he waived his NTC to go to Cleveland.
EDIT: check that, evidently his old NTC list included the Indians but they weren’t on the current one.
now this little nugget of information is pretty interesting, dependent on what the Yankees were offering. as a Mets fan, I’m just happy that they figured out the logjam keeping Dom Smith in Vegas.
it was never a logjam at first since they dont have a regular 1b after trading duda…
Nobody cares about the Yankees other than Yankee fans when they win. Wilpons care about $$ (particularly found $$). It’s a shame.
Nice pickup for the tribe. Still don’t see them going to the WS with the likes of Boston and Houston to beat, but who knows? I didn’t think they were the best team in the AL last year, either, and they nearly won it all.
Agreed! 100%
Very different year in the game !
Prediction…..Astros vs Cardinals
now that wilpoons are literally running the show…cheapo mets will continue to get fleeced
Mets are actually in a great position to compete for a title next season if Rosario and Smith establish themselves (likely) and the Wilpons approached FA like any other big (or even middle) market team (unlikely, but for now it wouldn’t involve a real big market payroll, just a willingness to sign 2-3 high end FAs or trades for high end guys who’ll be costly). Other than Wright, who should have bought out long ago, the only 8 figure contract on the books is Cespedes. The 5 starters (and depth behind them) along with the core of the bullpen (Familia, Ramos and Blevins) are still in their Arb years or before or signed for lower amounts. Conforto, Rosario and Smith figure to be pre-Arb starters. They need to fill the other 4 positions – 2B, 3B, C and CF, but may have some decent lower cost options to work with at a few of those spots. Health will always be an issue, but whenever a team enters the offseason with huge money coming off the books and doesn’t need either elite starting pitching or middle of the order bats, they’ll have to screw up to not contend.