No moves yet for the Mets but David Stearns sheds light on third base

It was a slow first day at the Winter Meetings for the Mets, at least in terms of player acquisitions. News came out that they were one of two teams after former Nationals pitcher Erick Fedde, who was mediocre at best for the Nationals before going to the KBO and putting up a fantastic year, with a 20-6 record, a 2.00 ERA and a 5.97 K/BB ratio. Rumors have Fedde getting a two-year deal for around $10 million and if the Mets get him for near that, it will likely be a better pick up than the 1/$13 for Luis Severino.

But the most encouraging news for me came in a press conference with David Stearns, who seemingly ended thoughts that the Mets were going to pursue a third baseman in free agency. Matt Chapman and Jeimer Candelario were two options that had been linked to the Mets and neither of those were likely to sign a one-year deal. Here’s what Stearns said:

“I don’t have anyone in my head right now that’s got the job,” Stearns said. “And we may not go into Opening Day with anyone who’s got the job. I think it’s important for us organizationally to learn about our younger players, to provide them opportunity at the major-league level.”

Snip

“You look at the composition of winning baseball teams, and there is generally this pretty good mix of established veterans and younger players who can provide some energy and spontaneity to a group. I think we have the potential to have that.”

https://theathletic.com/5112580/2023/12/04/mets-notes-winter-meetings/

The Mets have three homegrown choices for third base and also added Joey Wendle to that mix. None of the four options were overly impressive in the majors in 2023. Previously, the Mets’ M.O. would have been to block guys from their farm system given their disappointing output a season ago. It’s music to my ears to hear the guy in charge say they need to give youngsters an opportunity.

Many will say they gave Brett Baty an opportunity last year. And they did, even if it wasn’t their first choice. Baty was a mess in the majors last year and my preference would be for him to start the year in the minors and put up a .900 OPS or better in at least six consecutive weeks before bringing him back to the majors.

Furthermore, my hope is that it’s a fair competition between Ronny Mauricio and Mark Vientos for the starting job. My opinion is that Mauricio is the better option. But it’s my belief that the power that Vientos showed down the stretch is real. His AVG and OBP may top out at pedestrian. But there’s always room for a minimum wage guy who can hit 30 HR.