And now begins the annual game of wondering if the Mets will spend on free agents.
The Mets took a relatively conservative approach last winter, spreading moderate sums over several positions, and struck out in free agency as Jay Bruce, Todd Frazier, Anthony Swarzak, Jason Vargas and Jose Reyes collectively qualified as disappointing.
Brodie Van Wagenen’s biggest challenge in his first offseason as general manager might be convincing team owner Fred Wilpon to think bigger as the Mets presumably try to win in 2019, built on a rotation featuring Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler and Noah Syndergaard.
As it stands, the Mets finished the season with $142 million in payroll, according to baseball-reference.com. The website projects the Mets as already having $140 million locked up for next season when raises to arbitration-eligible players are factored in. It means the Mets may have to leave their comfort level — significantly — if they plan to fill holes through free agency.
Van Wagenen spoke at his introductory press conference about the need to improve “up the middle,” and just about any talk of upgrades, in regards to position players, begins at catcher for the Mets. The cast under club control includes Kevin Plawecki, Travis d’Arnaud and Tomas Nido, but is there a starter in that group? More likely the Mets will have to look toward a free-agent class that includes Wilson Ramos, Yasmani Grandal, Martin Maldonado and Jonathan Lucroy. The often-injured d’Arnaud, who missed most of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, could be a non-tender or trade candidate.
Staying in the middle, the Mets could probably use another veteran infielder to hedge against Jeff McNeil regressing after a strong two-month showcase in his rookie season. Do the Mets pursue a reunion with Daniel Murphy, with the idea McNeil could always shift to third base? Another old friend, Asdrubal Cabrera, is available and would likely welcome a return to the Mets. The big fish, of course, is Manny Machado, but the idea of the Mets potentially spending $300 million on a free agent sounds like the stuff of science fiction.
The Mets have solid options in Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo on the outfield corners — and Yoenis Cespedes if he returns from surgery on both heels — but staying with the “middle” theme, who plays center field? A.J. Pollock might look great in that spot, but it’s hard to envision the Mets adding to the position with Juan Lagares already under contract and set to earn $9 million in the last year of his deal.
In the bullpen, the Mets need serious help after watching Swarzak, last winter’s free-agent splash, spend most of the season on the disabled list and pitch ineffectively when he was healthy. Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman are respectable options, but the Mets probably need to add two high-caliber arms, minimum, to give the bullpen a chance in 2019. If Craig Kimbrel isn’t a realistic possibility, there’s Adam Ottavino or the possibility of a reunion with Jeurys Familia. Manager Mickey Callaway has a relationship with Andrew Miller from the Indians, and pitching coach Dave Eiland worked with David Robertson with the Yankees. Both veterans could be appealing for a team that relied too much last season on the likes of Paul Sewald, Jacob Rhame and Tim Peterson.
The Mets announced that Cespedes, d’Arnaud, Lagares, T.J. Rivera and relievers Bobby Wahl and Eric Hanhold have been reinstated from the 60-day disabled list. Infielder Jack Reinheimer was claimed off waivers by the Cubs, and lefty P.J. Conlon was outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse. In addition, Rafael Montero and Phillip Evans were outrighted and elected free agency. Jamie Callahan was outrighted and became a minor league free agent.
Possible targets
Martin Maldonado – C
The 32-year-old posted a lowly .655 OPS with the Angels and Astros last season, but is extremely well-regarded for his ability behind the plate, especially handling pitchers. With a team built on starting pitching, the Mets likely will be thinking defense first at the catcher’s position.
Adam Ottavino – RHP
The bullpen is a focal point for the Mets, and the 32-year-old Ottavino is among the most attractive options on the market after posting a 0.991 WHIP pitching in Colorado.
Daniel Murphy – IF
A reunion with the 2015 postseason hero could make sense, particularly if the Mets can trade Jay Bruce. Murphy would give the Mets versatility (at first base and second base), providing the team with insurance if Peter Alonso or Jeff McNeil falter. McNeil could conceivably shift to third base, platooning with Todd Frazier.