Juan Lagares looks to shake empty .260 hitter label

Juan Lagares is a terrific defensive player. Unfortunately, he’s not much of a threat with the bat in his hands. He doesn’t walk and he doesn’t hit for power, making him totally dependent on the singles falling in to be a productive player. In his best offensive year to date, Lagares needed a .341 BABIP [...]

Starting pitcher health the key to Mets’ 2017-18 offseason

While everyone’s attention is on the GM Meetings, mine are focused more on an internal issue. While important groundwork is laid during these meetings, typically very little is consummated right now. Which is why my mind is centered on the walking wounded. One of the problems with the offseason is that we don’t get updates [...]

Potential landing spots for 17 free agents in the 2017-18 class

Below we have destinations and contract terms for 17 free agents. None of us claim to be experts on the subject – some claim a lack of expertise here more vociferously than others – so the last thing you should do is use this as a betting guide. Instead this is an opportunity for us [...]

Mickey Jannis hopes strong AFL leads to a 40-man roster spot

The Mets cleared spots on their 40-man roster earlier this offseason by outrighting five players. Four of those became free agents and one, Wuilmer Becerra, remains in the organization but eligible to be picked in the Rule 5 Draft. Of the four who became free agents, one – Phillip Evans – has already re-joined the [...]

Mickey Callaway’s list of what needs to be changed

While conventional wisdom had the Mets taking someone who had previous ties to the organization, they instead went in a different direction to hire former Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway. On a podcast shortly before the hiring was announced, I mentioned to Matt Bruce that my choice was Callaway because of the belief that the [...]

Poll: What addition should be the Mets’ top offseason priority?

It some ways it feels like the 2011-12 offseason all over again. Too many holes and not enough money earmarked to patch all of them. Of course, the Mets are starting with a little more talent this time around, temporarily ignoring injury concerns. However, Sandy Alderson doesn't have the luxury of ignoring those concerns and [...]

A look at the Mets 2018 payroll with MLBTR arbitration numbers

On Tuesday the website MLB Trade Rumors (MLBTR) released their annual arbitration projections. This is the seventh year they’ve done it and while not exact, it gives us an excellent estimate of what players will get if they go through the process. Of course, the Mets typically settle with their players before arbitration, which can [...]