Mets owner Steve Cohen and team president Sandy Alderson have made it clear that the team is intent on being big players this offseason, though Alderson provided a bit more clarity about these winter plans in an interview with Jim Bowden and Jim Duquette on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (partial audio link).
“We expect to be somewhat active in the free agent market as opposed to the trade market. We don’t want to give up our young guys,” Alderson said, noting that the Mets plan to “recommit to our farm system and try to stay away from…our really prospects in significant trades.”
While Alderson stated that the organization’s lack of “patience…to allow these players to develop” dates back beyond just “the last couple of years,” the obvious implication is that the Cohen/Alderson Mets aren’t planning any of the blockbuster prospect-for-star trades that defined Brodie Van Wagenen’s tenure as the team’s general manager. (Namely the Robinson Cano/Edwin Diaz trade with the Mariners and the deal that landed Marcus Stroman from the Blue Jays.)
It could be that this strategy was also somewhat born out of necessity, as the Mets don’t have a ton of blue chip minor league talent. Baseball America ranked the Mets 20th in their August ranking of all 30 organizations, and MLB.com doesn’t have any Mets prospects ranked within the top half of the top-100 prospects list (though Ronny Mauricio, Francisco Alvarez, and Brett Baty all appear later in the list).
“There are only two currencies in baseball: players and money,” Alderson said. “Right now, especially in the upper levels of our system, we don’t have the players. We have some money at this point. So, we’re going to sort of balance those two things.”
This is surely music to the ears of free agents, as the Mets are expected to be bidders on multiple big names on the open market. Cohen’s financial resources could also play a big role in trades, however, given how many teams will be looking to cut costs this winter and might be open to moving some of their higher-salaried players. If the Mets are willing to eat a larger portion of those contracts, rival teams could give up some noteworthy talent for a relatively meager prospect return.
Sandy probably hates Brodie for emptying his farm lol
the few prospects remaining are needed to have any semblance of a feed to the ML club.. In other words.. the mets don’t have a choice.. they have to pay for FA’s as opposed to hoping beyond hope that someone needs one of their seventeen prospect SS’s….
Two years from now.. with plenty of International Money.. the Mets may be singing a different tune.. We’ll see…
Yeah I agree, but as a Mets fan we don’t have a good farm, but Alvarez Mauricio and Allen are prospects that we should be excited about.
As well as Crowe and TJ ginn. But a davis gimenez nimmo deal with wolf and vientos for Lindor and carrasco works bc its clear up a logjam the Mets currently have with their MLB roster.
Did Sandy really say anything most reading this site didn’t already know?
Did Sandy really say anything most reading this site didn’t already know?
Did Sandy really say anything most reading this site didn’t already know? O
Realmuto to Mets.
I don’t see Realmuto wanting to go thru a few years of a rebuild.
Mets are not rebuilding. They have the richest owner who didn’t lose any money like all the other owners did during this plandemic. Mets will be buyers and contenders.
Because of that new money the Mets biggest concern will be to figure out if they are bidding against themselves or not.
???? Rebuild ????
Plus Cohen said he expects to win a WS in 3 to 5 years. So that doesn’t sound like an owner from a rebuilding team.
Everyone talks about the new owner not losing any money. He just spent billions. The key though is when he bought the club, he already had a plan that included spending more initially on free agents.
Well they should do something then. Lotta talk, no action. If Cohen is all about it he’ll go get who he sees as “his guy” and set the market. Instead he’ll wait and lose out on a springer to see where the market is because he doesn’t want to overspend. Bold prediction here…. you don’t get springer, you will get JBJ instead and like it. Which is fine because you guys need anyone who knows how to play defense at this point.
If you aren’t rebuilding (apparently you guys aren’t) then wow….. you guys are doing a bang up job at “competing”. Lol. A third or fourth place finish is in order. Can they have a lucky year like 15? Sure, but then they will be running down the steps for the basement like that dog who dropped a load on the kitchen floor and the owner has that newspaper in his hand. Right back to the cellar because every dog has his day. You guys ain’t that dog dropping a load on the kitchen floor though, you guys are that lazy dog who ain’t even made his way outta the basement. It’s that dog dooking in his own bed in the basement.
The reality is you have one stud all around player in McNeil. Almost everyone else can’t play league average defense, or flat out stinks like Davis. Yeah, I said it, he stinks. Your farm has seen way better days, you need two starters, BP arm or two, a catcher, and a real short stop. Oh and someone who can play outfield. But you guys are competing…. right.
Ouch! That’s gonna leave a mark! See you in September
He said Mets, not Cubs.
Jeffy Wilpon…is that you??
If JTR’s asking price is 5/125 (from what I read), I would pass. I feel they should focus on 2 SP’s, additional Bullpen help, at least a defensive catcher (someone who’s known for handling pitchers well) and centerfielder. I’m not crazy about them opening their checkbook for any contracts more than 4 years. for the current crop of free agents. If they go to a 5th year on any of these guys I would hope it would be a club option. Personally I’d rather them spend the 4/100 if that could get them LeMahieu, put him at 3rd, move McNeil to 2b. When it comes down to it, I trust Lemahieu’s bat over 4/5 years more than JTR’s for around the same amount of money.. Then see if a package of JD Davis, Rosario and a prospect gets Lindor. I wouldn’t overpay the Indians because they don’t have the leverage. If they ask for more, walk.. If you get Lindor then they’d have Alonso, McNeil, Lindor and LeMahieu in the Infield. Sign a defensive C, get a defensive CF. It’s not super sexy but I think It’ll work assuming they bring in at least two quality SP’s and at least 1 more quality BP arm.. Just sayin’
He’s looking to beat the AAV of Buster Posey and maybe even beat the total payout on the Mauer contract. That’s his asking price. Now, what he will actually get depends on the level of interest and will likely be lowered due to the pandemic.
The Indians have more leverage than you might think. There will be up to 9 teams bidding on Lindor’s services. While I don’t expect the Indians to “pull one over the eyes” of another club, I do expect they will get equal value. History suggests this as well and that’s why I think Chernoff and Antonetti are so well respected around the league. The Indians’ farm system is deep, especially at the lower levels so I wouldn’t be surprised to see any Lindor deal expanded. We also have 2 of the best defensive catchers in the game. You would be hard pressed to find a better defensive catcher than Hedges and he’s familiar with the NL.
Bottom line, the Mets and Indians can help each other. The problem is agreeing on how to do so. For instance, JD Davis is a “thrown in” in any Lindor deal. He has provided .2 WAR over the last 4 seasons. Meanwhile, Tyler Naquin’s 3.1 WAR over the last 5 seasons suggests that he is a better player, and he might not receive an offer in arbitration from Cleveland. Lindor is going to cost McNeil and Szapucki at a minimum. You might not like that idea, but I’m confident that’s what it will take. You don’t get a top 5 player in MLB without giving up something you would prefer to keep.
DJ has played his home games in Yankee stadium and coors. 2 stadiums I could average 25 homers out of. He’ll be 33. 4-5 years? No.
I still don’t think they have the leverage. Understood about the ask.. Then I would be content on walking away from that discussion if I were Sandy. I’d let the other 8 teams bid for Lindor. I m not saying he’s not a superstar, I’m just saying SS isn’t the most pressing need for the NYM’s.. It would be a luxury item that would cost players, prospects and money. Not worth it to me when next offseason you may have Lindor, Correa and Baez available in free agency. I’d roll the dice and fill other needs Not to mention the PR nightmare for the Mets if they traded McNeil. I don’t think Cleveland should’ve ever stated that they want to trade him before the start of next season then. They should’ve kept that to themselves. I think knowing that they don’t want to pay him gives all teams interested in Lindor the leverage over Cleveland. If they get equal value more power to them but I hope it’s not the Mets that do it.
I see your point. I’d still trust DJ’s bat over JTR’s for the same amount of years and money. He’s solid defensively and plays multiple infield positions. Right handed contact bat. I understand the age concern but I’d still go that route over JTR if the money and years were the same.
Shortstop is probably the only position the ‘Mets have prospects at. I don’t understand the logic behind wishing dkr a Lindor trade. The Yankees have more need. Rhe Mets need
The Mets need pitching and catching and maybe an outfield upgrade. They have an excess first basemen too.
@remember
And he’ll be looking a long time for Mauer-type money. AAV might be close and he could edge it out on a three or four year deal, but my guess is he folds to any 5 year offer that pays more in total guaranteed money and forgets the virtual signaling.
How is that possible if McNeil is worth more than Lindor
In that case, the Mets and Indians don’t line up. Given his production, low salary and years of service, McNeil by himself is worth more than Lindor in a trade.
I largely agree with you. Except I think they would put Davis at 3rd. If they add a true centerfielder then either Nimmo or McNeil become expendable. Should they then trade Nimmo? They have a lot to work out
Davis is way better than the stats show. He’s only played one legit full season; his breakout from last year. This year was only two months long and statistically not a great measuring stick. The dude is an All Star.
In regard to “…not giving up something you would prefer to keep.”, that’s marketing, sales, need and perspective from both sides.
I’m sure the Mets would “prefer” to keep Nimmo, Smith, Lugo, Syndergaard, Diaz, Rosario, Davis and Conforto. But does the need outweigh the want?
The Mets have pretty effectively built up the values for Nimmo, Davis, Smith and Lugo. I can envision all of them being moved for the ‘right’ pieces missing from the Mets’ puzzle.
I believe it’ll take some savvy, but Familia’s contract and the train wreck that is Matz have to be included in any deal made.
Personally, I have felt Syndergaard should have been traded between 2018 and 2019. Once he became obsessed with triple digit velocity in the weight room, it was only a matter of time until his value was going to plummet due to injuries. Truthfully, I called it with my friends. Then slider, slider, slider and deep counts. Then he started blaming Ramos. The guy has all the warning signs of turning into Harvey going forward. But his value will remain low until he makes 10-15 healthy starts. As a #4, he might turn it around, but his days as a #2 are over – physically and mentally. He’s not fooling anyone anymore and needs to learn to be a pitcher. The talent is there, it is the emotion and humility?
Let’s not forget that Realmuto is also capable of playing 1B when he needs a break. Ala Dale Murphy and Craig Biggio, a position change in the future is not far fetched. His bat will play into his late 30’s at which time he becomes pretty darn good catching insurance or #2 backstop two days a week. Remember, Realmuto came UP as a shortstop! Would a move to 3b or the outfield at 33 or 34 be that crazy?
I wouldn’t fantasize about Davis being an All Star at 3b. The competition is pretty stiff. Lol.
But in his defense, remember, his bat got him at bats in the outfield when the Mets were decimated out there. Then we lost all of spring training and he pretty much hadn’t played third in over a year.
But yes, he came up at 3b through the Astros’ system. How good was he defensively? I don’t know that answer. He needs to fine tune his defensive skills and rededicate his focus on that position. Only the coaching staff truly knows if he is capable of handling that position for 150 games. If he can provide 28/90/.290 with league average defensive numbers, I’d say keep him.
Neither is expendable with Cano out and the DH around the corner.
There will be up to 9 teams bidding on Lindor’s services.
————————————————————–
I’m curious who the 9 teams will be. I count 4 teams that are both contenders, and could use a shortstop-NYY, A’s, Philly & Cincy. There are the NYMs & StL that could possibly be interested in an upgrade, but otherwise have shortstops.
Competing against that is the fact that Correa might be on the market, as well as Didi & Simmons. And the fact that the NYY, NYM, and Philly have serious competing needs.
I’m a RS fan, so I still root for Tito, but I don’t think they are getting huge offers for Lindor.
I know Dunn/Kelenic are huge, but was there more?
When you only have 4 good prospects and trade 2, it’s kind of a big deal.
Man, trading for closers is such a risky prop. I mean, Edwin was gr8 when he was traded. And look at Kirby Yates this year (injury but still). And someone will pay Rosenthal & Hendriks (sounds like a law firm) anyway cuz it’s so critical to have a guy for the 9th.
and what have they done in the Majors??????
Every major leaguer was a minor leaguer at some point.
Not Pete Incaviglia!
Or Jim Abbott. Or John Olerud
BVW basically traded every close to MLB ready pitching prospect they had. None were studs, but he decimated their pitching depth and now half their free agency budget is gonna have to go to relievers and backend starters.
Sandy Alderson wasn’t afraid to deal our youth or to hand out big contract “ Cespedes”.
Alderson barely traded any truly worthwhile young players. You could chalk that up to luck and/or the Mets not having a great farm system, but I think he generally made the right calls in what minor league depth to trade.
I agree with you Kirk
Wilpons actually pushed Sandy to acquire Cespedes. Sandy was going to reject that whole trade.
I’d imagine he probably winced when he heard Kelenic was included in the Cano deal. At the time and even now, it appeared to be overkill and imagine if the Mets included McNeil like originally reported.
Yea brodie did a lot of damage in the process.
Brad Hand, Trevor Bauer, James Mccann. That’s who I would go after if I were them anyways.
Big agree. Maybe add a second tier starter to that list but you’re pretty much spot on.
that would be a lot of commitment to SP with Stroman already being brought back
If they do sign Bauer, their 1-4 will be good enough they really don’t need to sign another starter unless its just for depth. Lugo, Peterson and Matz would be decent enough to hold down the 5 spot.
If they sign Bauer, their 1-3 will be good but one of the 3 names you mentioned would be number 4 and that would NOT be good. Remember, Noah isn’t due back until mid season, so they do need to sign 2 starters. Peterson is OK for number 5 but if the Mets start the season with Lugo or Matz as the 4th starter, that’s pretty bad.
Bounce back opportunities such as Paxton or kluber would work fine.
Honestly, I am SO tired of the Mets depending on “bounce back” candidates.
Noah isn’t back until mid-year, and I’m sure he’ll be on an innings restriction when he does return.
I think it’s been proven that any team with playoff aspirations needs more than “just” a good 1-4. It’s a long season and winning teams have quality depth in the minors or in the bullpen ready to step into the rotation. We have ZERO wiggle room after Lugo. Yes, he was quite effective as a starter, but that move left a gaping hole in the bullpen. He is our 7th inning plus bridge who can go 2+ when needed or stretched out quickly (like in 2020) when necessary. He can also close 10-15 games a year, especially if he comes into the game in the 7th.
Lugo just might be the most important pitcher on this team if they are to contend.
The farm system will come , now that we have a owner with patience and passion! And Alde back we have a baseball man with brains!!!! From the eye candy list , Diff McCann , we need. DEFENSE. Pitching, Hand and he is a southpaw, Crazy Bauer perfect for NY . And my sleeper Julio Teheran , why not and body who goes to the Angels gets lost Teheran still has gas
Would not go after Hands, 1 SP,1 catcher, and then need a good CF. That would be a start, then need more starter maybe 3 or 4 for AAA or 60 man roster if no fans.
Everyone can use an extra Hand in the bullpen. Especially the Mets.
No Hand? You’re nuts.
Lindor carrasco jtr jbj Marisnick hand Bauer.
Incredible list, and crazy expensive, Getting them all would be the greatest offseason performance by a front office in baseball history. If they get even half of those guys they’re immediately contenders.
Jbj? No fn way. Keep Nimmo there for that garbage.
Mets have to get both Springer and Bauer. The need for a CF is greater than another ace IMO. You will help the entire staff with a good defensive CF. I would also add Hand and a good defensive catcher such as McCann but doesn’t have to be him. The catcher will be batting 9th, just care that they hit .240 and play great D.
if you sign 2 FA who have been offered Q.A.s then you lose too much in draft and international $. Springer 31 yrs old. so he may have maybe 2 years. JBJ is a better option. Better CF and no Q.A., McCann is the same
@ranger29
I think they also have interest in Bryant and Sanchez if they are FA. It’s my opinion that they’re waiting to make deals/offers until it’s clear that those two players are rendered or not. Both would get some consideration in the overall scheme of things
This is true.
Conforto, Syndergaard and Stroman (well, Matz too) are FAs after 2021. So it’s not just this winter where they need $$ for FA talent…
I see Conforto getting resigned. If they sign Bauer, I can see Noah walking. As for Stroman, no loss there.
Stroman can go, so can Matz if he doesn’t have a good year. so Thro & Conforto are signable
I don’t think the we resign Syndergaard. Even if he shows us 10 decent starts, he is going to command Wheeler money and years. He’s too big a risk physically AND mentally. He’s becoming more Loki than than Thor. He needs to cut his hair, lose his self-image and become a pitcher. The ‘stuff’ is there, but is his head?
I will hope you are wrong about this. No offense. I wanted the Mets to resign Wheeler and they let him go. IMO they would be in a much better position right now had they resigned him. I’m kinda tired of seeing the Mets keep players through their injuries or bad times and then just let them go on to succeed somewhere else. Just sayin’
This will be interesting to watch the Mets compete. Signing 3 or 4 FAs doesn’t equal winning, but it does add excitement.
Mets have close to an empty farm system to trade from and outside of deGrom, Alonso, and McNeil not a whole lot to deal on the ML roster. They basically have to focus on free agents
LOL. A silly comment. Every team has prospects to trade. The Mets have Ronny Mauricio SS and Francisco Alvarez C who are both Top 100 prospects. They also have two other 1st round picks (Baty 3B and Crow Armstrong OF) who are highly regarded prospects. Two pitchers Allen and Ginn are viewed as potential front line starters. What the Mets don’t have is DEPTH in the minor leagues.
I guess from the ML roster you have never heard of Conforto, Smith, Syndergaard, Gimenez etc. Come to think of it, do you even follow baseball?
Ive got this beach house in Malibu to sell if you really believe JT Ginn will be a front line starter
Provide articles or scouting reports that these prospects are “highly regarded” and the pitchers are “viewed as potential front line starters”
One reason the Mets’ farm is so desolate is because the good players have become regulars at the major league level.
Rosario, Alonso, Conforto, Nimmo, McNeil, Lugo, deGrom, Syndergaard (trade in AA), Wheeler (trade in minors), Peterson, Gsellman, Nido, Smith, Matz, and on and on have all progressed FROM the Mets’ minor league system.
Their aren’t many teams that have as many homegrown regulars as the Mets. What IS glaring is the lack of free agent signings to compliment them. Outside of Ramos and a few months of Cespedes, this is where we have truly failed in recent history.
JimMeyer, The Mets drafted Rosario, Alonso, Conforto, Nimmo, McNeil, Lugo, deGrom,
Amen Jim Stem
metsie1, If you’re suggesting NY could or should trade Conforto, Smith, Syndergaard–who is going to miss a good portion of 2021 due to TJS and will probably be a little rusty when he does return–or Gimenez, I would ask if YOU follow baseball.
It shouldn’t be hard to understand why NY might not be inclined to move prospects, either. Their farm is in the bottom third of baseball and gutting it even further wouldn’t help them sustain contention status, would it?
Syndergaard is coming off of TJ and may not pitch til midseason. The Mets aren’t going to trade Gimenez unless they are getting Lindor on an extension. Smith had a nice season but i don’t know how many teams view him as a regular player
As for highly regarded prospects only a couple of them are in the back end of the top 100 prospect lists
Ginn was picked #52 last year. Since he doesn’t have any minor league innings, the best you can say is that he is the 52nd best prospect from 2020. That probably doesn’t even equate to a top-200 prospect.
Put another way, he was the #23 pitcher taken last year.
Have you forgotten about Dominic Smith? Seems like a luxury, he’s certainly not an outfielder. 1b’s are a dime a dozen but he is cheap and controllable and talented.
If the NL picks up the DH fulltime, Smith becomes our 1b and Alonso just mashes full time. Smith only gets moved for the ‘big piece’.
The sticky problem is that our young hitters all seem to have really good heads on them, willing to listen and learn and focus on the team win before their own numbers.
This alone may be why Alderson and Cohen will splurge on 4 big free agents and restock at the AA and AAA with 6 year free agents.
Not surprised, although I think they should take a look at Lindor. Anyway Realmuto seems like a lock.
right. Mets are the only team that needs a C enough to enter into a bidding war for one.
So far, Mets are the only team that a need a catcher and seem to be willing to give Realmuto what he wants. That’s really the difference.
Realmuto wants 200 mil. Let’s see how giving the owner is when that comes across. I have a feeling if he goes much over 4/100 whoever gets him is going to seriously regret it.
Yankees need a C too, so do the Nats,
and you could make the case for a lot of teams being willing to move things around to accomidate. you could argue every team in the NL East alone could have some interest. it will hardly be an easy get for NYM.
I don’t see it. Braves have their guy. I don’t see the Marlins splurging on Realmuto, especially when they have Alfaro. Nationals and Mets? Certainly. I would assume the Phillies too, but Middleton seems to be all but telling us that they can’t afford him. I see Toronoto and the Mets as likely landing spots, but the Mets have the cash to spend.
dont most teams do that?
Don’t want Realmuto for his price tag and years that he wants I’d rather sign McCann and spend money on Bauer,Springer,Hand and a second tier SP. And no Lindor trade the Mets have multiple SS’s.
100%
I would listen on Lindor if we can get two other necessary pieces. Maybe we can work an extension once he’s here?
150% agree!!!! But I would also like Sandy to focus on obtaining a shut-down bullpen. Remember what TB did during the playoffs with their SPs only going 5 at the most.
Thank you for the sanity, jvent
You ain’t lying … However, it’s multiple Shorts that are not very good. That’s why there’s so many, because if any single one was capable of manning it full time they would have taken the mantle already. Lindor is an upgrade over anyone at the position, especially if you are the mets.
I dunno why they wouldn’t let one of the shorts slide to second, pick up lindor, and throw McNeil in the outfield because he’s a good ball player and I feel like he’s a waste sitting at second sometimes. Here’s a guy who can actually field and you ain’t using him to benefit you the most defensively. He’d be my everyday CF. If not lindor, go sign a SS. It’s just clear what you have at SS now isn’t the answer. That’s all I’m saying.
If the Mets get 2 pitchers (who don’t suck for us in 2021) and realmuto or springer. The division will be a two way race. Obviously it’s a lot of signings but I’m just saying if that happens. Rn it’s the Braves and everyone else fighting for 2nd. marlins will be in last
The Marlins would be in first if they just got some offense, and some defense, and some rule changes….
Bauer, Realmuto, Tanaka, Hands. Should make them a darn tough club in any play off series.
I don’t think the Indians (Lindor) or the Rockies (Arenado) or the Cubs (Bryant) would want anything from the Mets farm. What makes the Mets intriguing as a trade partner is they have several duplicative position players who can really hit. Dom Smith, JD Davis, Nimmo if they sign Springer. Those are the guys those teams will want.
Maybe saying this in an attempt to drive down the price for Lindor. Or they are ready to give the young SS a shot.
Can I ask someone to list former Mets’ minor leaguers that were traded who are All Stars for other teams?
Scott Kazmir
Justin Turner is who comes to mind. Sandy was great at making sure our young All Stars stayed here. Alonso, deGrom & Conforto are all All Stars and Smith got a few MVP votes this past “season”.
jeff Kent
Brodie dealt one prospect of significance, Kelenic. Possibly a 2nd decent one in Woods. He dealt away a few others but he was revamping a farm system devoid of athletic players that can play D, high end pitching prospects. Maybe they just didn’t value those guys much.
Sandy signed some terrible contracts also with Cespedes and Wright that killed the Mets ability to add payroll. So you have to deal prospects away.
If Cohen doesn’t mind spending money, neither should Sandy. Probably for the best as the Mets could sign Springer, McCann, Hendricks, and Odorizzi and that would probably be a job well done.
Sign Springer, McCann, Hand & O’Day
Trade for Arenado
Question is, will they sign a free agent with a QO attached if their goal is to also rebuild their farm? In other words, a McCann at catcher as opposed to Realmuto; an Odorizzi as opposed to Bauer. A Bradley as opposed to a Springer. Pick up some relievers without QOs etc. Improvement without impact on development.
@lordd99
JTR is worth signing if the yesrs and money is ‘right’ e.g (4 years definitely. 5 years probably, 6 years no) and ($90-$100MM Yes, ~ $110MM maybe)
Strategy is make your best offer to him and get a yes or no. Don’t leave it on the table. Sign McCann the next day. Even for a couple $$ more than planned
I like your other options and it fits with my thought that Cohen is waiting to see if Bryant or Sanchez could be had as a FA. Not likely IMO
Three players I’d be ecstatic about if they pursued any or all – Realmuto, Bauer, and Hand. Realmuto would be a solid, as well as Hand. Not sure on Bauer though – if he’s going for the single year deal or multi-year. His quirky persona gives me pause on spending too much time on pursuing him, though his arm would be a great addition.
One issue with this free agent class is none of them seem as if they are significant enough to move the needle enough as many suggest. They are all find to very good players but why would you want to clog up some position for the next number of years. In other words, just because you can afford to splurge are these the players to commit to?
Good. Mets farm has been depleted and I dont think Lindor, even long term, is depleting it. Money, during this offseason, is the market inefficiency. We should use that to our advantage when we are one of the few teams with money.
If they want to concentrate on FAs, can they do it, please? It’s been soooo slow so far.
Seriously, they’re going to make a wise decision and go with SP (Bauer?), McCann, Springer; or, they will sign Realmuto and maybe one more top-tier if they end up anywhere near what he wants. The owner is rich, he isn’t stupid.
@Yankee Clipper
Patience laddie. Dec 2 non-tender first and then commence offers. It’ll be interesting to see if Cohen imparts his own negotiating style and what it might be.
I think he has experience in negotiating from strength (wealthy owner in pandemic riddled economy) , but might be jonesing for action as much as you are. After all, he gave Wilpons virtually the same amount of money as the first offer and didn’t exact a pandemic discoubt. He also gave NYC money to approve the deal which I think was smart just so he didn’t have to deal with the idiot Deblasio. He might pay up quickly for any ‘must have’ players, but then again he might take a broader view if anyone makes ridiculous demands. IMO he sets the market for JTR and if they don’t deal then JT doesn’t get more than NYM offer. Cohen will bend, but not break bc JT comes with a QO and he won’t sign a lot of those deals bc of draft implications.
I see JTR & JBJ or McCann & Springer as compliments, but never JTR & Springer.
After that I like Hand, other RP / SP value plays w/ min two SP. And Kim because he is young, relatively cheap and always either tradable or allows for trading of a couple SS to fill other needs
Everyone is talking about Realmuto/Mccann
I prefer Austin Hedges. Good framer great game caller, great communication with pitchers. Springer or any other fast CF with pop in bat. Like to see Marisnick back. Non-tender Matz get 2 solid back of rotation pitchers. If DH is in effect in NL Alonso is the DH, Smith is 1B
busmannyc, I suggested including Hedges in a Lindor deal in a previous post. The Indians have a deep, talented farm system as well. How about Lindor and Hedges for McNeil, Rosario, and Szapucki? There can be a PTBNL going to the Mets as well.
Try to get Hedges without Lindor. AL central and west always have a surplus of everything. Poach some players from those divisions. That would be a real splash for 2021
Mets can’t have a player making $20M+ at every position. Lindor is a luxury. The Mets have 3 (incl Mauricio) SS under 25 with potential upside that will be cheap for next bunch of years. Get Springer. Move Nimmo to LF. Improves D at 2 positions. Get Bauer, go a little cheaper at C (McCann). Extend Conforto. Money well spent.
Thanks for the sanity. I’m not sure why Met fans are going gaga over Lindor. They have only 3 SPs they can reliably plug in, no catcher, and the outfield is unbalanced with no true CF.
Meanwhile, they have a fine SS prospect in Gimenez, and a post-hype prospect in Rosario.
They don’t need Lindor, and cannot afford Lindor. It is like all these Red Sox writers who focus only on the best FAs. They never consider the 2nd or 3rd choices, never consider that we need a CF, 2B, 2 RPs, and an SP. All they see is the name Springer, and think we should sign him.
Cohen seems to want to do whatever it takes to win. I don’t see where money is the problem. If they think a player will help them, I don’t see where length of contract or how much will be the consideration. Realmuto is described to be a Derik Jeter type a leader, bats right handed( need to balance the line up ) great D great arm.
Exactly. Realmuto is a huge clubhouse guy. He’s got a great arm and frames pitches incredibly well. His solid offense is honestly just a bonus. It’s crazy how much he brings to the table. I understand he wants a lot of money, but McCann is honestly a significant step below JTR in my opinion.
What is all the hype with Trevor Bauer?
He has only had an exceptional 1 shortened season.
In order of Mets importance: Bauer, Realmuto, Springer, Hand. No need to trade for Lindor—I’d rather see a 3-team trade getting the Mets Carrasco. I think we have Nimmo & Rosario as trade bait, along w/prospects, but NOT SS Mauricio, 3B Baty, RHP Allan, C Alvarez.
In my opinion who they sign can open trade opportunities. For example a Springer signing would create a logjam in the outfield.
Springer in CF… corners are Nimmo and Conforto…. McNeil to second, Davis and his led glove at third…. Smith or Alonso DH…. no logjam unless no DH, but DH is coming if not now then next year, so no logjam
As bad as it sounds Sandy needs to bring Luhnow aboard to build that farm and piece together stuff from Latin America… dude is a wizard at that sort of thing… just needs some oversight while doing it..
I think the Mets will wind up being the major spenders of the off season. I feel like Cohen was already gonna make a splash or two even if Cano’s salary hadn’t been freed up out of the budget. Now it’s gonna be a bonanza. A calculated bonanza, but still a bonanza. I could see a few different offers to Trevor Bauer and Reamulto and others:
I think Cohen will offer Bauer literally all of these contract structures and discuss what makes the most sense to both parties:
Bauer: 1 year/$47M, 2 years/$85M, 3 years/$120M, 4 years/$152M, 5 years/$185M, 6 years/$225M, 7 years/$260.05M, 8 years/$300M, 9 years/$333M
Bauer claims he doesn’t want to pitch forever and that he isn’t purely motivated by money, so I kinda wonder which of those contract offers he’d actually take…. if those are realistic offers, I’d guess he’d go with 7 years/$260.05M. It makes him mega wealthy, puts his career earnings at over $300M and he’s out of baseball in his mid 30’s and he only loses out on around $30M cash after taxes/agent/lawyer fees, etc. from not playing a few more years, which, after you’ve made $130M cash and you live in the midwest, $30M doesn’t make a big difference in your lifestyle/decision making.
I think he’ll offer Realmuto 6 years/$153M, straight up. But so will a bunch of people.
I think he’ll offer Springer 4 years/$130M or 5 years/$140M.
I think he might even release Cano and eat the remaining salary or argue to nullify the rest of the contract. There’s no upside to him coming back.
Historically, teams don’t make big splashes in year one of a new ownership. The Mets may not either.