After just seeing the Boston Red Sox win the World Series and going from worst to first in the process, a lot of Mets fans are clamoring for a similar type of turnaround.
While it’s a bit of a stretch for the Mets to compete for a championship next year, they can infinitely get better and at least contend for a wild-card if they make the correct and wise moves in the offseason. Now that it is officially the offseason with free agents able to be signed tomorrow, the Mets can begin the process of making the necessary moves in order for them to get to the next level.
If Jeff Wilpon can be taken at his word (insert your own jokes here) then the only definites for next year include David Wright, Zack Wheeler, Dillon Gee and Jonathon Niese. So, where do the Mets go from here?
Glad you asked. Below are six ideas to make the Mets more competitive next season.
Spend some frickin money
This is general, broad sweeping recommendation. We have been told ad nauseam that 2014 was the year the Mets were going to spend money and aim to be more competitive. So, it’s time the Wilpon’s put their money where their mouth is. With major weaknesses in the outfield, shortstop and at first base, it’s time they invest some money in the offense. While Shin-Soo Choo and Jacoby Ellsbury (who could fill huge needs in the outfield and at leadoff spot) may be out of their price range, there should be enough money for guys like Nelson Cruz, Curtis Granderson and maybe even former Met star Carlos Beltran. So, through free-agency or taking on some contracts via trade, the Mets should spend the roughly $40 million they promised the fans they would spend.
Get rid of both Ike Davis and Lucas Duda and bring in some fresh, new blood at first base
I don’t know about all of you, but I’m all for fresh blood at first base this year. While it has been said that the Mets should rid themselves of at least one of Davis and Duda, I am of the opinion that the Mets should start completely fresh here. I have (as have several other Mets’ fans) seen enough of Ike Davis and Lucas Duda to know that they will not likely thrive in Queens. Both have their good traits and in new settings they could succeed elsewhere. With power a huge need, and the first base position a great source for that type of production, the Mets should look to bring in some new energy at first. We don’t need to shoot for the stars (Edwin Encarnacion, etc.), but at least try to aim on getting sluggers who could fit in well in the Mets’ lineup like Kendrys Morales, Justin Morneau or Mark Trumbo.
Avoid signing any free-agent pitchers who want multi-year deals
It would behoove the Mets to avoid signing any pitcher to a multi-year deal, as to not tie up the payroll while trying to strike lightning in a bottle with a journeymen pitcher like Bronson Arroyo, Jason Vargas or Ervin Santana. With the pitching depth in the minors overflowing, the hope is the Mets will give the young guns every opportunity to secure a job. With Wheeler, Gee and Niese locks for the rotation, the Mets could give Jenrry Mejia (if healthy) the fourth spot and then after that they can turn to either Rafael Montero, Noah Syndergaard (later in the season), or Jacob deGrom for the fifth spot. If the Mets are not content with youth at the fifth spot, they could at least go dumpster diving for a flier at pitcher (why not bring back Daisuke Matsuzaka?). Either way, with Matt Harvey expected back in 2015 and the prospects expected to take on more of a role that year, let’s avoid adding any over-priced pitchers with multi-year deals this offseason.
Stick with Juan Lagares in center field
Despite his tremendous defensive play, there are skeptics who wonder if Lagares can remain a starter with the Metrs with such shoddy offensive numbers. Well, if you surround Lagares with steady offensive contributors in the corner outfield spots, then you can mask Lagares troubles at the bottom of the lineup while he gives you plus defense at the most important position in the field. Besides, Lagares is still maturing and fine-tuning his skills as a hitter and you have to give him some time to develop.
Trade Daniel Murphy
This is in no way an indictment of the player, as Murphy has been a rock in the Mets’ lineup for the last few years. But in order for the Mets to get something in the trade market they have to give up something, and from a position of strength, trading Murphy makes sense. It also makes sense why Jeff Wilpon said that only Wheeler, Gee, Niese and Wright will likely be the mainstays. Again, I love Murphy—always have, always will—but if it is in the best interest of the team to deal him, and in this case it likely is, then it must be done. Not to mention, the drop off at second base wouldn’t be too drastic if the Mets had to turn to either Wilmer Flores or Eric Young Jr.
Upgrade at shortstop
To upgrade at short is a no-brainer. Many names have been bandied about as replacements, but at this point anyone would be an improvement over either Ruben Tejada or Omar Quintanilla. Either through free agency (Stephen Drew or Jhonny Peralta) or through trades (maybe the Diamondbacks would trade either Didi Gregorius or prospect Chris Owings?) the Mets must bring in a new shortstop. If you plan on keeping Lagares, it would help the Mets if they got rid of another offensive black hole in Tejada or Quintanilla at the end of the lineup.
I was hoping to read more about the corner outfield solutions…
Good post, solid thinking. How they handle the starting rotation will be key. I am disappointed in their Super 2 stance on Montero — the price is right. If they go cheap there, as you advise, there’s more money to address other glaring needs.
This is an offseason of opportunity for Alderson.
All that said, this team needs a star in the worst way.
I would like to see Ike get one more shot. Maybe if surrounded by some better players he would not be expected to be the HR guy on the team.
Ike has had his try in NY, and the grade is F. Duda is a D+. I’d give James Loney a look for 1B. However, Wilpon said 1B is not a priority for this off season because we have a “glut” already there. Unfortunately, none seem to be real MLB level players.
I really like the general thinking here. A couple things though. I think its worth a hard charge at Choo, who could be a key part of the outfield for some time. I can see Grandy, Lagares, and Choo L-R in the OF. That could work for a number of years.
Im ok with adding a 2 year contract for a pitcher like Arroyo. Is he the be all, end all? Of course not. But we need an innings eater big time, and he can deliver that. Imagining a call up for Syndergaard as a late season savior doesnt jibe with the progression of innings pitched. Syndergaard should be looking at 150ish in 2014. I expect Montero to be wearing a different uni next year. Teams need pitching, and I see Montero as one piece we might not be hurting to let go of.
I agree with Arroyo. He would be the only one worth signing. I keep hearing Santana come back but he is another 5 inning guy.
I disagree on your plan for 1st base in bringing Morales or Morneau. Both over 31 already and have had problems already. Trumbo I can see but we would have to give up more than he would be worth in terms of a high end minor leaguer. At SS we need a YOUNG guy to take over, not Drew or Peralta.
Who did you have in mind? While I agree not sure who is out there.
While I do not know exactly who is available we can always ask and find out about guys like Profar, Baez, Owings or maybe even Hamilton and see what they want. I would rather see what Tovar can do before investing a lot of money on a defensive position.
Great Article. But I do see a few flaws. First: at first base; Trumbo would not be a good fit because he probably is not going to hit a ton of homers at citi field. Regarding shortstop: I don’t think Drew is a good option because he doesn’t hit for a very high average, has maybe slightly above average defense, doesn’t hit a ton of doubles, and doesn’t steal many bases. I agree with most of your points about the pitching, Murphy, and Lagares, but we do need younger hitters that have double power.
Spend some frickin’ money: Expect the Mets to enter 2014 spending no less than $30 Mil on improving the team.
Get rid of both Ike Davis and Lucas Duda: Sure… but the issue is bigger than just getting rid of these guys. BTW… I see Davis having a big year wherever he winds up.
Avoid signing any free-agent pitchers who want multi-year deals: Okay, so bargain basement pitchers.
Stick with Juan Lagares in center field: I’m calling it, “Met fans are calling for Lagares to be sent down by June.”
Trade Daniel Murphy: FOR WHAT?!?
Upgrade at shortstop: Yes.
Problem Dan is the Red Sox’s went out and got themselves a MANAGER while the Mets just signed their guru to 2 more fricking years. Trade Murphy,Davis and(you fill in) for CarGo and his affordable 10.9 million dollar contract for 2014. Sign Choo to play right field and you have upgraded your corner outfield defense and offense. Konerko, Loney, Morales and Mourneau are all free agents(first base). Drew or Peralta at shortstop. Don’t waste any money on high profile free agent pitchers. The money saved gets applied to the outfield and upgrades at shortstop and first base.
Get ready everyone! The Mets are only signing 1 everyday OF and will platoon at the other corner
Get ready everyone! The Mets are only signing 1 everyday OF and will platoon at the other corner spot.
Great article. I agree on most of your points, but strongly believe my OF prediction.
Lets be realistic. The Mets are not going to do all that.
Sign Peralta for SS.
Sign 2 from Beltran, Granderson, Cruz, Byrd. Beltran and Granderson would be great.
Sign either Scott Kazmir or Josh Johnson to complete the rotation with Mejia being SP5.
Get rid of both Ike and Duda and use Flores at 1B until Smith is ready.
Keep Murphy at 2B, Young platoons with Murphy and is the 4th OF.
Lagares, Murphy, Wright, Beltran, Granderson, Peralta, d’Arnaud, Flores.
Niese, Wheeler, Gee, Kazmir, Mejia or Niese, Johnson, Wheeler, Gee, Mejia.
Hey Joe! Let’s get realistic here. Peralta will cost you 10 million(no problem). Beltran is looking for 2 years at 15 million maybe more. Granderson maybe the same but 4 years at the very least. Cruz received a qualifying offer from Texas. If the Mets signed 2 or more of your free agents that received qualifying offers from their previous teams,I believe they would have to give up a second round draft choice(I don’t see SA doing that). Kazmir and Johnson were pitching for new contracts. It’s like someone offering you an ice cream cone in the middle of the Sahara desert. There is no need for the team to spend any significant money on SP when you have so many potential starters being groomed for 2014-15(not to mention Harvey returning in 2015). Flores is NOT a first base man. You’re asking him to learn another position and he does not provide you with the power numbers associated with playing first base. You need him to concentrate on his offense. Never going to happen, If the team signs all the players, you’re looking at a payroll that would exceed 110 million dollars after signing their ARB players and filling their roster with minimum salaried players. That I’m sorry to say will never happen so long as the Wilpons remain in their fiscal constraints. That’s one reason a deal with Colorado makes sense. A trade for CarGO and his affordable salary doesn’t handicap the team for 2014. He’s making less than 11 million and the Mets can put a package together that fills the Rockies needs(Murphy,Davis,Gee).
Wilpon cleared up his snafu a bit by adding Murphy, Lagares, and d’Arnaud to the list, for what it’s worth. This team really needs a good overhaul this off-season. I do think Choo should be signed, but beyond that I think Alderson is going to need to get really creative. I also agree with not signing a SP5 to too many years. Two would be max I would go, and definitely not three, but that really limits their options.
Also, the whole Red Sox worst to first narrative is a bit overblown. It wasn’t that the team was just bad as it was constructed. Sure, it under-performed and had a bad manager, but that team had just about everything that could go wrong for it actually materialize. A very Mets-like season, actually…
The Mets need to spend to fill their holes. $30M is what they can spend and not increase the budget. It would be nice if they increased it with some of the new television money.
Getting rid of the first baseman adds $5.3 M to the shopping money but it also necessitates getting new blood. There isn’t enough money as is so there is no need to add a 1B to the shopping list. Play Duda, ship Davis.
No reason to sign a multi year FA pitcher.
I like Lagares but he is not untouchable but he could fit in nicely the way you suggest.
Murphy is the trade bait.
The upgrade at SS has to be for an average to above average offensive SS. Young, Lagares and Tejada are too offensively below average to play more than one in the lineup.
i think your ideas are great also we could try young e at ss why not teach him in spring training the ss position then if hes good give it to him