The pronouncement this week from Brodie Van Wagenen that his Mets can already be viewed as the team to beat in the NL East might not be a positive development for those expecting another splash or two this winter by the general manager.
While the Mets have addressed significant needs in the past three weeks, adding All-Star-caliber players, it seems more likely the next wave of additions will be about filling in cracks than planning another Citi Field press conference to introduce another potential game-changer.
There is always the slimmest of possibilities the Mets are playing possum and could jump in on Bryce Harper, but Van Wagenen’s actions and statements in recent weeks suggest otherwise, and this organization has hardly shown a stomach for giving mega-contracts to free agents, who in this case would be seeking north of $300 million.
Why even the slimmest possibility the Mets could pursue Harper? Simply the “honeymoon period,” as one industry source described it this week, as Van Wagenen continues to put a sparkle in the eye of team COO Jeff Wilpon and could potentially convince his boss to rock the baseball world by signing the 26-year-old slugger.
Now back to reality.
The Mets appear intent on adding an outfield bat of much lower caliber and addressing the bullpen, with an eye toward a potential starting pitcher/swingman who would provide an insurance policy for the rotation.
While Van Wagenen is downplaying a big right-handed bat who could help in the outfield — a description that fits A.J. Pollock — the industry still views the Mets as in the hunt for smaller pieces such as Adam Jones and Melky Cabrera.
The fact Jones is represented by CAA, the firm that until recently employed Van Wagenen as the co-head of the baseball division, indicates the lines of communication have remained open between the two sides. But there are questions whether the 33-year-old Jones can still handle center field, where the Mets ideally could use another set of legs. Cabrera is a switch hitter whose center-field days are behind him.
Juan Lagares remains under contract for next season at $9 million and is still under serious consideration — despite his injury history — to head into spring training as the starting center fielder.
In the bullpen, the Mets continue to evaluate lefty options. Justin Wilson could make sense, but a pure lefty specialist such as Tony Sipp or Oliver Perez is less likely, as team officials seem content to try Daniel Zamora for that role.
The Mets have discussed the idea of a veteran starter/swingman behind Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler, Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz and Jason Vargas, but Kyle Dowdy’s selection last week in the Rule 5 draft might mean the Mets are committing that roster spot to the right-hander.
If Dowdy isn’t placed on the 25-man roster and kept there for the entire season, the Mets must offer him back to the Indians.
As it stands, the Mets’ payroll sits in the $150 million neighborhood — where it has resided for each of the past two seasons — following Wilson Ramos’ arrival on a free-agent contract. The Mets have also added Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz from the Mariners and supplemented the bullpen with Jeurys Familia’s return. Jay Bruce, Anthony Swarzak and Wilmer Flores have all been deducted from the major league roster that concluded last season.
Reporting dates for spring training were announced by the Mets. Pitchers and catchers are due in Port St. Lucie on Feb. 12, and position players on Feb. 16. The initial full-squad workout of the spring is scheduled for Feb. 18.