The New York Mets have seemed to do all but rule out going for a splash one of the extremely highly-priced free agent this offseason. You already have heard their names too many times this offseason, so I won’t mention them for the sake of your sanity. What I will mention however is that the Mets have made a bunch of minor league contracts this offseason, with each one bringing their own level of experience. It will certainly be interesting to see how some of these signings will affect the team, if at all.
1.
Luis Avilan– It is surprising that Avilan did not receive a contract with the big league squad. Last season, Avilan posted a 3.77 ERA over the length of the season with 51 strikeouts. Although he started the season with the Chicago White Sox, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies where he threw to the tune of a 3.09 ERA to his now Mets teammate Wilson Ramos. If Avilan could put up numbers close to what he did last season, he could be a steal for the team. Out of all of the minor league contracts the Mets have inked this season, the lefty has the best chance of making the Opening Day roster.
2.
Devin Mesoraco– If the Mets have learned anything over the past couple of seasons, it is that there is something special in the water of Queens that makes the team extremely injury-prone. Mesoraco should help to alleviate any possible injury pain at the catcher position. While he is behind Travis d’Arnaud on the pecking order, at some point he should expect to see some time in the big leagues this season. This sort of depth will keep Tomas Nido in the minor leagues in an emergency catcher situation. Another factor that makes this a smart move is that Mesoraco caught the same pitching rotation last season, so he already knows their tendencies.
3.
Danny Espinosa– The one time Washington National did not play in the big leagues last season, and bounced around through three organizations in the process. At 32 years old, it seems like Espinosa’s MLB clock is ticking very loudly. Espinosa has found himself on the lowest rung on the Mets’ infield ladder, yet is a very serviceable option to have in Syracuse. Who knows, maybe his 24 home run power will come back, and he will be a solid depth option for Mickey Calloway to play with once rosters expand towards the end of the season.
4.
Rajai Davis– Davis will forever be remembered for his home run in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series against the Chicago Cubs. While that blast proved to be in vain, it reminded everyone that Davis is a serviceable veteran that could help any team. He had double-digit steal totals from 2008-2016, but his speed has since deteriorated. While the Mets have options in the outfield, having someone like Davis to possibly mentor someone like Keon Broxton could be beneficial to the growth of this team.
I’m very happy with the Mez re-sign! He’s a better player than d’Arnau.
In what way? Besides for 2014 Mes has been bad defensively and injured. Travis is a top flight pitch framer.
David, This seems to be something of legend, much like d’Arnaud and his “oppo taco” fame.
Baseball Ref has a stat for framing called RszC. Even in the world series year, perhaps d’Arnaud’s best year, he was ranked 10th among catchers. Typically he ranks even lower. I don’t think he can classified as “top flight” as opposed to “mid level”. He’s not even close to top flight.
Check baseball prospectus framing numbers those are way better
Framing is like a seeing a bigfoot. People imagine its true, but there are so many things that go into calling a strike, its impossible to decipher such a thing with high accuracy and precision. In any event, of that is his biggest strength, then there isnt much. TdA is an oft injured back up catcher, so how much can it really matter?
Mesoraco was injury prone long before he came here. Avilan was a tremendous value signing.
David, it’s probably a Bad strategy to point out Mesorocco’s Health when comparing him to Travis.
I see Devin as a Better Receiver and Thrower than Travis…. and the question of “Whether Travis Can Throw Yet” is almost a Punchline for the fact that He has never thrown well.
Perhaps there are stats that refute my opinion.
If Mez can give you exactly what He did last year, it’s a solid back up receiver plan. I would expect him to do better with less sustained play.
I like the strategy of signing most of the veterans to minor league contracts. Except for Avilan, who will probably make the team, the others could be serviceable backups or fill ins because of injury.
Alderson signed players like this, in particular Gonzalez and expected them to be big contributors.
So far, I like Van Wags strategy.
Who knows, maybe we still pick up a player or two below value on a one year deal.