The 2016-2017 off-season for the Mets was an unusual anomaly. There were no roster moves of any consequence, the roster that ended 2016 was barely changed as the 2017 season started. The Mets may catch fire or they may muddle on as they have been this season, but either way they are not going to play a basically pat hand like they did last year.
The end is certainly near for Curtis Granderson. His four year, 60 million dollar contract comes to an end this year, and he will be 37 next season. He was an important part of the 2015 pennant-winning team, but his offensive production has dropped off seriously since then, and he no longer has an arm suited to the outfield. The popular Granderson might return to the Mets as a coach or in the front office, but it is extremely unlikely he would be signed as a player again.
Neil Walker is another player who is likely gone after the season, or maybe even before at the trade deadline. He signed the qualifying offer last off-season which meant he is earning $17,200,000 this year. The Mets tried to sign him to an extension during spring training, but the second baseman turned down the offer. He has struggled at the bat much of this season although he has improved recently. He will be 32 next year with a history of a back injury. If the Mets fall out of contention he would be a candidate to be dealt to a team seeking a rental infielder. If not he will likely be a free agent after this year.
Jose Reyes provided a spark for the Mets last season, but this year his batting average has been mired below the .200 mark. He does have the flexibility to play several positions, none of them very well. His bargain contract of $535,00 ends after this season. He will turn 34 next year. There is I suppose a chance he could be back next year, but more likely he moves on to another team.
Lucas Duda has been hurt a good part of the season so far, and when he plays he has not shown the form he displayed back in 2015. His contract is up after this year, and he turns 32 next year. There is a first baseman of the future in Dominic Smith, who has been burning up the Pacific Coast League this year. Younger, cheaper and better, Smith will likely be the Met first sacker in 2018 if not sooner.
Asdrubal Cabrera has been an important part of the Met infield since the start of 2015. He’s a team leader, he hustles and provides good power for a shortstop. However his range in the infield has diminished. The Mets have a seemingly major-league ready shortstop in Las Vegas, Amed Rosario. Cabrera will be 32 next year, and the Mets could pick up an option for him. If he’s willing to play third base, or as a utility infielder, there is a good chance he could be retained. If he insists on playing shortstop, he will end up elsewhere.
Jay Bruce has played well this year, but he will become a free agent next season. If the Mets fall out of contention he could be attractive at the trade deadline to a team in need of a left-handed slugger with a fine right field arm.
Matt Harvey is an interesting case. His arm still seems live, with radar velocity readings at times in the mid 90s for his fastball. Command is not there. He most likely stays with the Mets through next year, but there is a scenario that could lead to an earlier departure. If his pitching improves but the Mets still struggle, he could be moved at the deadline. He is still fairly young, and he will still be under team control next year. The Cubs have not had good starting pitching this year, and they have a stacked farm system, so a good prospect dealt for Harvey might be tempting to the front office.
So the bottom line for the Mets is that a lot of familiar faces will be gone from the team next season if not sooner.
The only proviso when talking about letting Bruce go is the Mets really have no ML ready options in the Minors unless you count Nimmo.
That means a FA or trade. The Mets like Conforto in center so why not just resign Bruce?
Why does this feel more like an off-season post? Oh I know, because the ownership and management are all but taking World Series expectations and punting the entire season.
If Duda is gone, I’d be OK making a fair offer to Bruce. One lumbering power bat is useful, but only if the better-hitting Smith is at first. I’d also be interested in keeping Cabrera around for his leadership, hitting and toughness.
I don’t think Walker’s career is over, but I don’t want to see him here next year. And trading Harvey now is a major business faux pas, but I can’t stomach another poor outing and media circus.
The Mets will have $72,735,000 coming off the books this winter (and another 20,000,000 he Wright retires). Alderson has done a great job with his financial flexibility. The question is, is he the man to change the direction and make up of the club and use the money wisely?
We are only six weeks into the season with plenty of time to discuss those types of decisions.
It’s like the 2017 season is rapidly becoming one of those farewell tours — except it’s for nearly the whole club. What a shame. Such high hopes…..
Who, pre-season, would have thought that the Mets would have the worst ERA in the majors, really boggles the mind.
I’m very disappointed in how this season has begun, but it’s too early for me to throw in the towel. Even should the Mets bounce back over the next month or two I can still see a scenario where one or two of these guys gets traded in July. Because really, whether this team finishes in last place or wins the WS in 2017, half the names you mentioned won’t be back next year. In fact, if all 3 are healthy, I advocate trading one of Bruce, Grandy or Duda regardless of our record at the deadline. Those 3 do not belong in the same lineup.
If Mets are 10 out at the All Star Break, then “break ’em up”. I would get rid of all those cats listed, maybe, just maybe, keep Bruce if Conforto can continuously show he can play CF. With Cespedes in LF, Conforto and Bruce will make a good bomb squad of hitters while the infield is reset with Rosario,Dom Smith,
TJ Rivera, maybe even Cecchini, and who knows about catcher ??
Maybe Mets can get one in a trade for Harvey, who must go.
The rotation will be ok once all are back, but the BP is atrocious. Only Blevins and Familia worth keeping. All Star Break is the time.
I am hoping Mets are like 5 games out and the troops all back to make a run. No fun to have your team out of it in July with 2 mos left.