Offseason In Review: New York Mets
The Mets locked up their most famous player through 2020, boldly following that move by trading the NL Cy Young winner for prospects.
Major League Signings
- Shaun Marcum, SP: one year, $4MM.
- Brandon Lyon, RP: one year, $750K.
- Total Spend: $4.75MM.
Notable Minor League Signings
- Corey Patterson, Marlon Byrd, LaTroy Hawkins, Scott Atchison, Pedro Feliciano, Aaron Laffey, Tim Byrdak, Brian Bixler.
Trades and Claims
- Acquired OF Collin Cowgill from Athletics for 3B Jefry Marte.
- Acquired C John Buck, C Travis D'Arnaud, SP Noah Syndergaard and OF Wuilmer Becerra from Blue Jays for SP R.A. Dickey, C Josh Thole and C Mike Nickeas.
- Acquired IF Brandon Hicks from Athletics for Cash Considerations.
- Claimed IF Anthony Recker off of waivers from Cubs.
- Claimed SP Kyle Lobstein from Rays in Rule 5 draft.
Extensions
- David Wright, 3B: eight years, $138MM.
Notable Losses
- R.A. Dickey, Mike Nickeas, Josh Thole, Kelly Shoppach, Scott Hairston, Andres Torres, Mike Pelfrey, Jon Rauch, Chris Young, Ramon Ramirez, Ronny Cedeno, Jefry Marte.
Needs Addressed
In early December, the Mets locked up the face of their franchise by giving third baseman David Wright seven years and $122MM in new money. Some will argue that the Mets "had" to retain Wright, unless they wanted to deal with a revolt from fans who haven't seen them finish better than fourth place since 2008. The Madoff suit had been settled prior to the season, and Wright was coming off a vintage year. This was more than just a contract extension; it was a grand gesture to fans.
Signing Wright is certainly a decision that would require the involvement of ownership. Still, back in 2010, GM Sandy Alderson had expressed a preference to avoid "second generation" contracts, and the Wright deal qualifies as such. The extension covers his age 31-37 seasons, obviously not the ideal slice of any player's career. In the Mets' defense, at an average annual value of under $17.5MM, Wright doesn't need to be a superstar for the team to recoup value. Deferred money and a frontloaded structure are also points in the Mets' favor.
The positive P.R. from the Wright signing may have softened the blow for the team's half-hearted attempt to extend reigning Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey. The knuckleballer was already under contract for a mere $5MM for 2013, after the team exercised its club option. Dickey reportedly asked for two years and about $26MM for 2014-15, his age 39-40 seasons. That request was more than reasonable even given Dickey's age, but the Mets reportedly stopped at two years and about $20MM. The implication is that the team didn't really want to extend him, and Dickey was instead traded to Toronto.
For the Mets, the need to add a pair of blue-chip prospects outweighed the team's desire to field the best possible team in 2013. The team's farm system was ranked 26th in baseball by Baseball America prior to the trade. They added a consensus top 25 prospect in catcher D'Arnaud, plus a top 100 prospect in righty Syndergaard. The deal pushed their system into the 18-20 range overall, according to BA's Jim Callis. With Zack Wheeler, Matt Harvey, Syndergaard, and Jon Niese, the Mets could have an intriguing, affordable rotation in place by 2015.
In the shorter-term, the Mets addressed the departures of Dickey and relievers Ramirez and Rauch by adding bargain free agents Marcum and Lyon and other potentially useful veterans on minor league deals.
Questions Remaining
When will the Alderson regime start spending significant money on new players? The time to pounce could be the 2013-14 offseason, when players such as Johan Santana, Jason Bay, John Buck, and Frank Francisco come off the books. The 2014 club has only Wright and Niese under contract, plus potentially decent arbitration contracts for Ike Davis, Daniel Murphy, and Bobby Parnell. It might be appropriate to bring in a few corner outfielders and late-inning relievers.
For 2013, the team's outfield could be quite bad. The Mets could begin the season with players like Lucas Duda, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Mike Baxter, Collin Cowgill, and Marlon Byrd holding starting positions. The silver lining is that the Mets can offer opportunity, and could find a diamond in the rough.
There's also the question of the team's bullpen, which looks mighty shaky after Parnell and Lyon. Again, the one benefit of such a shaky group is uncovering a sleeper.
Deal of Note
Alderson snagged Marcum in January for just a $4MM guarantee, much less than I would have predicted at the outset of the offseason. With one of the slowest right-handed fastballs you'll find in the Majors, Marcum came cheap after missing two months due to an elbow issue. He posted a 3.59 ERA in 396 innings over 2010-11, so he's not far removed from solid mid-rotation innings eating.
Overview
The Mets have been a sleeping giant under the Alderson regime, parting ways with their best veterans other than Wright, avoiding free agency, and allowing their attendance to slip to 17th in MLB. A decent rotation won't be enough to overcome the team's gaping holes in 2013, but perhaps the season will provide a sneak preview for the Mets' return to relevance in the coming years.
Brennan Boesch Rumors: Wednesday
Seven teams have called agent Scott Boras about recently-released outfielder Brennan Boesch, George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press reports (on Twitter). Here are the latest Boesch-related rumors…
- The Mets' interest in Boesch is "marginal," Mike Puma of the New York Post reports (on Twitter). Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported earlier that the Mets appear to have some interest in Boesch (on Twitter). Anthony DiComo of MLB.com doesn't get the sense that GM Sandy Alderson will pursue Boesch (Twitterlinks). However, DiComo points out that it's too early to dismiss the possibility.
- The Red Sox are talking internally about Boesch, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports (on Twitter).
- Joel Sherman of the New York Post has been told the Yankees will at least look into the possibility of signing Boesch (Twitter link). The depth of the New York outfield has been tested in the aftermath of Curtis Granderson's injury.
- The Astros will take a look at Boesch, MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart reports (on Twitter). Like the Mets, the Astros have a relatively young outfield.
NL East Notes: Santana, Marlins, Phillies
The Nationals won the NL East in 2012, displacing the Phillies atop the division after Philadelphia's five-year run. As impressive as the Phillies' streak of consecutive division titles was, it doesn't compare to the Braves' record of 14 in a row. Here’s the latest from the NL East as the Nationals look to prolong their stay atop the division instead of becoming a one-and-done winner like the 2006 Mets…
- The Mets' relationship with Johan Santana is deteriorating and some liken the situation to the relationship between the Mets and one of their former stars. “This is Carlos Beltran all over again,” one longtime Mets official told Andy Martino of the New York Daily News.
- Jose Reyes said he has "unbelievable memories" from his one year in Miami, Newsday’s David Lennon reports (on Twitter). But the Blue Jays’ leadoff hitter and shortstop doesn’t seem to mind that he’s now playing elsewhere. "I know I don't want to play for the Marlins no more," he said.
- GM Ruben Amaro Jr. told Todd Zolecki of MLB.com that the bullpen could be a team strength for the Phillies after some offseason changes. "We've got to hope that we're better. We designed our bullpen to be better this year, and hopefully it will be," Amaro said. The Phillies signed Mike Adams to a two-year deal to improve their setup relief options.
Yankees Sign Ben Francisco
The Yankees have signed outfielder Ben Francisco, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports (on Twitter). The Indians released the John Boggs client earlier today, making him a free agent.
Francisco is on his way to Florida, where he'll join the Yankees and compete for an outfield job, Sherman reports. The 31-year-old played for the Blue Jays, Astros and Rays in 2012. He began the year in Toronto and joined the Astros in a July trade before being dealt to Tampa Bay in August. In total he posted a .240/.285/.385 batting line with four home runs in 207 total plate appearances, playing both corner outfield positions. Francisco, a right-handed hitter, has a career line of .252/.329/.414 against left-handed pitching.
The Mets had some preliminary interest in Francisco, Mike Puma of the New York Post reported today (Twitter link).
New York Notes: Rivera, Wheeler, Alderson
Yesterday, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera officially announced that he will retire after the 2013 season. Rivera told reporters, including Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger, that he is looking forward to moving on from the constant grind of baseball. "Well, I’m telling you the tank is empty. I think that’s enough. It’s been a journey. One thing I will say that I will never stop missing the game or the action on the field. And my teammates. But after that, there’s nothing else. It’s just traveling and hotels and all that. There’s no more in me. I’ll do what I have to do next," said Rivera. Here's more on the Yankees and Mets..
- One major league executive estimated that the Super Two cutoff date may be around June 15th this year, meaning that the Mets may not promote Zack Wheeler until after that date, tweets Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com.
- The clock is ticking on Sandy Alderson's honeymoon grace period with the Mets, writes Joel Sherman of the New York Post. It's possible that club ownership blocked Alderson from making bold moves along the way such as trading Jose Reyes and David Wright, but Sherman argues that Alderson was viewed as having the tools necessary to navigate his way around the top of the power structure.
- In speaking with Marc Carig of Newsday (on Twitter) and other reporters, Alderson addressed his record in New York. "It's a body of work that has to be judged, and not on a day to day basis. You have to step back periodically and say 'Where are we?'," said the GM.
- Rivera was what set the Yankees apart from everyone else, writes Sherman. Now, the question is whether the 43-year-old can be the difference maker for the Bombers in his farewell season.
New York Notes: Yankees, Mets, Wells, Rivera
Earlier today, MLBTR readers were fairly split on what the Yankees should look to do next. About 32% of you said that the Bombers should just work with what they have, nearly 28% want to see the Yanks to land an infielder and an outfielder, and 26% say that GM Brian Cashman should pursue either a first or third baseman. Here's more on what the Yankees may (or may not) do before Opening Day and some items on the Mets..
- The Mariners probably won't make someone truly intriguing such as Kyle Seager or Michael Saunders available for the Yankees, but Casper Wells could be in play, writes Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The 28-year-old is out of options, might not have a roster spot and showed that he can hit well against lefties last season.
- Over the past several months, the Mets have quietly made a series of promotions in the front office, writes Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. Dick Scott, who worked with J.P. Ricciardi in Toronto, is now director of player development. Adam Fisher, who is a holdover from the Omar Minaya era was promoted from manager of baseball operations to director of baseball operations. Former assistant director of minor league operations Jon Miller also earned a promotion, moving up to director of minor league operations.
- Buster Olney of ESPN.com (Insider sub. req'd) reflected on the career of Mariano Rivera and his importance to the Yankees franchise over the years. The legendary closer has decided that he will call it a career after the 2013 season.
AL East Notes: Niese, Napoli, Yankees
The Mets could have kept R.A. Dickey and sent Jon Niese to the Blue Jays for prospects Travis d’Arnaud and Noah Syndergaard this offseason, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reports. One of Martino's sources said the Blue Jays have always loved Niese. “They absolutely would have done that,” the person said. Some Mets people actually preferred Dickey to Niese, according to Martino. The Blue Jays ultimately acquired Dickey from the Mets for a package of players including d’Arnaud and Syndergaard.
Now for some more links related to the AL East…
- Mike Napoli told Rob Bradford of WEEI.com that the environment in Texas "was awesome" because of a great core group of players. The 31-year-old said he kept talking to the Rangers during his time as a free agent but decided to sign with the Red Sox after speaking to GM Ben Cherington and manager John Farrell. “I think going through the whole thing I was hoping we would work it out in Boston,” Napoli told Bradford. “The role did play into it, but I think going into it and other teams being involved I still had my mind set that I was going to come to Boston.”
- While the Red Sox once had 'too much' bullpen depth, health issues have depleted the team's pitching and a spring trade no longer seems necessary, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal writes.
- ESPN.com's Buster Olney wonders if the Yankees could pursue Scott Rolen, Don Kelly or Russ Canzler in the aftermath of the injury to Mark Teixeira. Ken Davidoff of the New York Post noted earlier today that the Yankees’ alternatives include Carlos Lee and Tyler Colvin.
Quick Hits: Mets, Rangers, Hamilton
The strength of the 2013 Mets appears to be their rotation, but when you compare New York's starting five to the rotations of the Nationals, Phillies and Braves, the group no longer seems as intimidating. As Joel Sherman of the New York Post writes, the Mets seem even more vulnerable in areas such as the outfield and the bullpen. Here are some more links from around the Major Leagues, starting in New York…
- Free agent right-hander Francisco Rodriguez said he "definitely" wants to return to the Mets and "redeem himself" in New York, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reports (Twitterlinks). While the Mets won't rule out a reunion with Rodriguez, it doesn't seem like a 'front burner issue' for the team in Martino's view.
- The Rangers must find a way to keep CEO Nolan Ryan in place, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports writes. In Rosenthal's view it would be a shame if the Hall of Famer left after the contributions he has made in Texas. It’s possible Ryan will leave the team, but the Rangers say they want him to stay.
- Josh Hamilton says he isn't out for revenge against the Rangers this season, but one Texas official tells Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com that he is skeptical of that assertion. The Rangers person predicted that the slugger may hit 50 homers in his first year with the Angels, fueled in part by a grudge against his former club.
- Within the piece, Heyman reports that the Mariners offered Hamilton about $90MM for four years with vesting options for two additional seasons. The Rangers offered a three-year deal with three additional options, Heyman reports. Hamilton obtained a five-year, $125MM contract from the Angels.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Mets Won’t Look To Acquire A Starter
The Mets are likely to be without Johan Santana to start the season, which leaves them in need of at least one additional starting pitcher. However, two sources indicated to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News that they won't look to sign or trade for another arm.
There are plenty of options on the trade market including starters from the Dodgers’ surplus like Aaron Harang, Chris Capuano, and Ted Lilly and Rick Porcello of the Tigers. Chien-Ming Wang has interest frm the Yankees and others as he pitches in the World Baseball Classic and former Met Chris Young will be available if he doesn't make the cut with the Nationals.
Jeremy Hefner will most likely begin the year in the rotation but Collin McHugh and Jenrry Mejia are also in the mix. The Mets may actually have two holes to fill thanks to Shaun Marcum's lingering shoulder issues which have kept him from making his second Grapefruit League start.
Quick Hits: Indians, Red Sox, Santana, Cubs
The Indians have a new-look offense and Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer examines it in detail following a busy offseason for GM Chris Antonetti. After signing free agents Nick Swisher, Mark Reynolds and Michael Bourn, the Indians have more speed and power than they did in 2012. "I don't think we'll be entirely reliant on any one way to score runs," Antonetti said. Here are some more links from around MLB…
- The Red Sox are looking good after completing last summer's blockbuster trade with the Dodgers, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe writes (on Twitter). Not only did the Red Sox send the cumbersome contracts of Carl Crawford and others to Los Angeles, they obtained promising right-handers Rubby De La Rosa and Allen Webster in the deal.
- Questions surround Johan Santana and Frank Francisco, the Mets' two highest-paid pitchers, Ken Belson of the New York Times writes. Santana, who will earn $25.5MM this year, didn't arrive to Spring Training in top form, and Francisco, who will earn $6.5MM, could also open the season on the disabled list.
- Carlos Villanueva told reporters that he signed with the Cubs as a free agent because he likes the direction of the franchise (video link via the Chicago Tribune). Villanueva said he seeks information on people running teams, just as Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer do their homework on players.