The big news this week — other than playoff race action — was that Cuban first baseman Jose Abreu signed with the Chicago White Sox for a six-year deal worth $68 million. Sportswriter Jonah Keri called Abreu “the best hitter you’ve never heard of.” Abreu had been a dominant force in the Cuban baseball league, as he hit a line of .453/.597/.986 with 33 homers in 212 at bats. Despite his dominance in the league, most scouts saw Abreu as a strictly 1B/DH type of guy, who lacked the dynamic player label that fellow countrymen Yasiel Puig and Yoenis Cespedes brought to the table.
The Mets considered Abreu as an option to solve their first-base dilemma, however after hearing what the scouts had to say they decided to pass.
Maybe this was a good idea. The White Sox have never really spent this much money on a player like Abreu, and after coming off a terrible year last year, they’re in rebuilding mode. They are trying to phase out the aging veteran Paul Konerko by replacing him with Abreu. That also means that they’re probably open to trading a few pieces. The White Sox have some players that they probably would like to get rid of, some of which the Mets could consider.
The Mets definitely need some outfield help, however they also could use some help at shortstop. Omar Quintanilla is not an everyday starter, and it’s unclear whether or not Ruben Tejada is really the player he was thought to be in 2011 and 2012. Therefore, Alexei Ramirez is not a bad target for the Mets. He’s not a great shortstop, like Jose Reyes or Troy Tulowitzki, however there’s a pretty good argument for him as a third-tier shortstop. He’s not necessarily an offensive threat — he had a wRC+ of 86 in 2013 — however, that’s not what the Mets need. They need someone who is a quality player, and can play every day.
They could also target Gordon Beckham. The Mets have been talking about trading Daniel Murphy for some prospects, and if they do end up trading away Murphy they could consider Beckham as a replacement. Beckham is not as good as Murphy; he doesn’t hit as well with wRC+ 88 compared to Murphy’s wRC+ 106. However, he could be a decent fill-in until the Mets find a better long-term solution.
The Mets could offer up one or two mid-level prospects for a package of Ramirez and Beckham. Then they could shop around Murphy to restock what they gave up in the Ramirez-Beckham package. Missing out on Abreu works to the Mets favor because Abreu’s signing signifies that they’re making strides to rebuild and create a younger team. The White Sox are willing to part with some of their older players, and those players are targets for the Mets. It’s important to keep in mind that free-agency isn’t the only way to improve the team; there’s always trades. It’s better the Mets didn’t pursue Abreu.
Why write about picking up someone else garbage? Third tier? Hmm? Don’t you think the Mets have enough mediocre players that you feel the need to add more below average players to the roster? If the Mets are that bad off then why settle for what Chicago doesn’t want any more? So let’s ship them off to New York so that the writers can then commiserate over why SA made these horrible moves?
Wouldn’t mind adding Ramirez, but please, no Beckham-he’s garbage and we somehow move Murphy, we still have Flores or EY Jr to plug in there.
Never made much sense for the Mets. We were only talking about him because well… most of us are bored. Let the playoffs finish so we can start the hot stove!
I agree with the sentiment here in the comments. These aren’t real difference makers, and is it even worth bothering to trade for third tier players? Hopefully Alderson can work some magic for better players.
As far as Abreu goes, I’m okay with the team not spending that much money on what many deem a one-dimensional player. That’s not to say I didn’t want the Mets to sign him, I just think that’s way too much money for what could end up being a disaster. Then again, maybe he turns into a monster. That’s the gamble, I guess.
The signing may have actually hurt the Mets. Davis to pair with Konerko may have been an option for the ChiSox.Now it isn’t. Ramirez would be an upgrade at SS for the Mets and should be one of many SS the Mets should be considering to aquire. Beckham is not a fit under any cicumstances.
Kernerko can hit right or left handed pitching. Besides the fact that he’s a free agent. Why on earth would the White Soxs take our garbage? Metsense if the Mets might not even tender Davis why can’t Chicago just wait for the Mets to non-tender Ike? Why do you have his stock at such a high value? We as fans tend to over-value our players but let’s be realistic Davis to Chicago?
MLB rumors just mentioned an Ike Davis to Pittsburgh scenario. I don’t think anything will happen until Spring though for first base. I see that resolving itself in March and April. That being said, if a team approached us, then something could happen in the Hot Stove.
That would mean the Pirates have no interest in signing Morneau or are using this as leverage to offer him an incentive laden contract.
We don’t need anymore bargain basement players or some other team’s garbage. The Mets need to start spending the money on the big name free-agents now. Four years of rebuilding stinks. It’s time to turn this organization around and back to being a contender!
Editor’s Note – The above comment was slightly edited. It’s fine to disagree but limit your objections to the argument, not the person.
I don’t get this article… what is the logic behind trading for Ramirez and Beckham exactly? How does that help the Mets?
And this: “Then they could shop around Murphy to restock what they gave up in the Ramirez-Beckham package.”
If you want to shop Murphy, that’s fine, let’s explore what he’s worth. But you do that first, so you can gauge what you’d get in return. Worry about your low-level space fillers later, they’ll be plenty of Ramirez and Beckham types floating around.