Juan Soto is rumored to be available this offseason and he fits in great with the potential timeline of 2025 for the Mets to compete for a playoff spot. Shoot, if they were to trade for him, it would have a great chance to accelerate that timeline. But the cost won’t be cheap. My guess is that all of us would be excited to see Soto in Queens. But what do you give up to get him? And no, the collection of trash we don’t want isn’t going to get it done.
The only player for me who is off limits would be Francisco Alvarez. But that’s probably not a deal-breaker for the Padres, since they have catcher Ethan Salas on the fastest track ever for a prospect from Venezuela. In fact, it might be the fastest track for any player since David Clyde. The Padres signed Salas this past January as a 16 year old. He ended 2023 at Double-A. Now, it was only nine games and he didn’t hit very well – nor in the nine games he played before that at Hi-A. But he started the season in Lo-A, two levels above the DSL where most international free agents begin their career, and finished the year two levels above where he started. That’s remarkable.
My package would start with Luisangel Acuna, both because he’s the highest-rated prospect the Mets have, plus my belief that he’s overrated. But there’s going to have to be more added to that. And again, not trash that we simply don’t want. My guess is that the Padres would want a pitcher in this deal and the highest-ranked prospect we have is Blade Tidwell. And that’s probably still not enough. But here’s where maybe you can add some “trash.”
As a Mets fan, would you do Acuna, Tidwell and Brett Baty for Soto? And just as importantly, would the Padres do it? It seems either answer for either club would be reasonable. No doubt some think Soto is a bonafide superstar and no package is unreasonable to get him. And just as sure is that some will think Acuna is an impact player waiting to happen and including him in a deal, even for a player like Soto, would be a huge mistake. It’s impossible to tell either side that they’re wrong.
It will be curious to see if David Stearns engages the Padres on talks for Soto.
The Padres have a 3Bman, who they can’t trade. I’d say a fair offer for Soto would be Clifford, Tidwell and Acuna.
You’re right. And the Padres are deep in the infield. They’re already playing Cronenworth at 1B even though he’s a 2B. And one of their top prospects is SS Jackson Merrill. Your proposal makes more sense.
Edit: FWIW, my thinking was that the Padres would want an MLB-ready player. Maybe Mauricio is a better fit for them than Baty. But I’m bullish on Mauricio and would prefer to keep him, if possible.
Interesting report on Voggie, Eppler and Buck! So our blame was misplaced! I wonder what else we don’t know?
Soto is absolutely a superstar. I would love to see him in a Met uniform in 2025. However, a prerequisite for that would likely be an Alonso resolution, one way or another.
Stearns should most certainly engage, and I don’t have a problem dealing Acuña, but I would not part with 3 prospects for one year of control going into a season with so many holes to fill. Uncle Stevie can sign Soto after 2024 and use those prospects elsewhere.
I don’t see an Alonso resolution as a prerequisite at all. If you can get Soto at a cost that isn’t exorbitant – you do it, Stearns has already said that he doesn’t think Pete will have any trouble playing thru distractions.
And as for three prospects for one year of control – is that significantly different than four prospects for Lindor with one year of control plus Carrasco? If Cohen is going to run a $350 million pre-tax payroll again, do you throw in another prospect and take back Yu Darvish?
It all comes down to 2024 budget and intent, likely agreed upon already by Cohen/Stearns. So we are guessing. My gut guess it that the Mets would much rather have Soto for 1 year than Pete. Get something decent for Pete, trade multiple prospects for Soto. Sign Soto long term. I’d love both bats but my gut is Pete wants $300 million plus and Mets don’t want to go there for him and a Soto type.
Unless the alleged budget is less than $280 – which is certainly a possibility – there’s no reason they can’t afford both for 2024.
Soto and Alonso and a $280 budget would leave crumbs for pitching. But I’d love a batting lineup with Alonso and Soto in it. Nimmo Lindor Soto Alonso McNeil Alvarez in no particular order. Nice to dream.
Eppler out.
I figured he had one year left and then he would bolt. I guess our Yamamoto chances just took a hit.
Some buzz about trading the four Baby Mets for Soto. Think Padres be interested?
That didn’t take long for Eppler to go. What I read is that he resigned to give Stearns a clean slate. Sure.
I hope the Mets trade for Soto. I would rather have Soto than Ohtani. Soto is 24 years old. As Ohtani rounds age 30, how much is he really going to pitch. The Mets will sign him to a long term deal.
So, who do we trade? Four baby Mets (not including Alvarez) and McNeill for Soto, Musgrove and we will take Darvish in the deal. The Padres want to really cut salary, so we can swoop in and help them with that.
Now, here is a new problem. Alonso just hired Boras. That means he will probably go to free agency. That also may reduce Alonso’s value because of Boras.
My gut tells me that the Mets will not come close to his asking price and will probably trade him. Rumor is the Cubs really want him. Well, we would welcome Pete Crow back as the headliner. That would leave us with Nimmo, Pete Crow and Soto in the outfield, Alvarez behind the plate + Lindor and a staff of Senga, Musgrove, Darvish and Quintana. Overpay and sign Yamamoto. That is a very good staff.
Now, all we need is a first baseman, second baseman and third baseman. Pencil in Jet Williams or Acuna at second. Maybe Williams starts playing third as does Acuna next year in the minors. There are a lot of guys that we can get to play first base.
If not Alonso, who is the power bat to play 1B? My only thought is Rhys Hoskins and that does not thrill me.
Vientos
To add to my last email, to fill out the roster at a reasonable price, sign Rhys Hoskins and Gio Urshela.
They must sign Pete and then try and protect him in the lineup. Soto is an easy target but only if a new contract is a fait accompli. Can’t mortgage the future for one year. Rather go the free agent route but happy to move some Baby Mets if the return is for a solid 3B/OF or a starter. And Mauricio has to stay. So Vogey had naked pix of Eppler not Buck or Cohen.
Boras may have an outrageous number in mind for Alonso’s contract and will probably lush him to free agency.
Somebody other than Cohen out there to pay him a crazy amount?
Eppler resigned supposedly due to a MLB investigation into the Mets stashi mg healthy players on the IL. Well, when does it stop? Who ratted them out here? And if every team dies this, then…
Here is your choice, same money: Soto, or Ohtani, Mauricio, Clifford and Tidwell? I think the latter, don’t y’all? Just sign Ohtani for the bat, and wait one year.
The Mets probably not get both. Soto is 24 years old and still has his prime years ahead of him and plays the outfield. I would trade for him and extend him.
On Alonso wanting a private audience with Cohen for firing Showalter, see my comments on how I felt the day after Scherzer ran his mouth, and was traded the next afternoon. Lindor, said his opinion, but said that it’s not his job to make those decisions. That’s respect. Alonso, wants the owner to give him explanations. Ok. What are the Cubs offering again?
Bite your nose to spite your face?
It is difficult to gloss over a 74 win at $370m season. Apparently , Cohen is going to be proactive. The Stearns hiring was the first step. Showalter and then Eppler resignations were the next step. I wouldn’t be surprised if Player personnel will be next. After all, it only was a 74 win.
Alonso switching to Boris shouldn’t be a concern. The Mets should start the negotiations now. If his demands are unreasonable then trade him. Don’t give him the Leverage in his final year. I’m a union man but he’s out of line when he has an opinion on organizational matters. He is just an employee. Don’t let the Tail Wag the Dog.
I would trade for Soto if he is agreeable to a extension. The Mets now have a farm system so that they have ability for these types of trades . Immediately start the negotiations and if his demands are unreasonable then trade him before spring training.
Cohen has a 101 win team and expected to sustain this winning tradition. 2023 Mets failed miserably. Cohen signs the checks. Changes will be made. He wants a winning team and they successful franchise.
^
Across the board.