NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The Mets spent $110 million to sign Yoenis Cespedes. But they bought something else: time.
Cespedes was the Mets’ priority — important issue 1, 2 and 3. So by getting his contract finalized before the winter meetings, the Mets feel they can now both laser focus on bulking up their relief corps while being creative in general.
To that extent, one Mets official said the team is pretty much open to talking about any of their young players except for top prospect, shortstop Amed Rosario.
They would even be willing to consider possibilities for Michael Conforto, figuring there is no harm in gauging his value.
The Mets’ current posture is that they want to protect and add to their farm system after using so much of it the past two seasons to make trades. But they would listen if suitors want to make suggestions. The executive said that not being bogged down by several needs will allow the Mets more time to both listen to and throw out concepts more off the path of what is directly needed.
The Mets currently would like to add at least one and probably two late-inning relievers, preferably one of them left-handed, such as retaining Jerry Blevins. They recognize the likelihood that Jeurys Familia will be suspended as part of the domestic abuse rules and want to support Addison Reed late in the game.
The Mets have let teams know Jay Bruce and Curtis Granderson are available, though they would prefer to move Bruce because Granderson offers versatility to play center and leadoff if needed.