With day one of the Winter Meetings already in the books, here is a recap of yesterday’s Mets headlines:
Mets and Rangers are Discussing Possible Trade
Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reported that the Mets and Rangers are in trade discussions and could have something done before the end of the Winter Meetings. While there are no reports of specific players, it can be inferred that the Mets might look to acquire one of the Rangers young infielders in exchange for some package of pitching.
Names that could be included in talks include Rangers infielders Elvis Andrus, Luis Sardinas, Jurickson Profar or Rougned Odor, while possibilities on the Mets’ side include pitchers Jon Niese, Dillon Gee, and even Noah Syndergaard, according to sources. There is a growing belief around baseball that the Mets would be willing to deal Syndergaard in the right deal.
Gee Is Being Shopped Aggressively
Sandy Alderson is actively shopping starting pitcher Dillon Gee according to Adam Rubin of ESPN.
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com noted that the Mets may be looking to trade Gee to dump some salary, rather than use him in a package to acquire an infielder.
Andy Martino of the Daily News says he would not be surprised if Dillon Gee is dealt to belongs to another team before the end of the winter meetings. According to multiple officials familiar with their thinking, “the team is more likely to trade Dillon Gee than do anything else.”
The Payroll Isn’t Changing Much More This Offseason
Adam Rubin of ESPN reported that Sandy Alderson commented on the Mets current payroll, saying that it probably won’t increase much, if any, from where it is now. He also noted that it is possible it decreases somewhat, suggesting a possible salary dump.
The Mets Are Interested, But Skeptical Of Korean Shortstop Kang
Jung-Ho Kang will be considered by Sandy Alderson to fill the Mets shortstop void according to Matt Ehalt of The Record. Kang is expected to be posted for bidding next week, at which point teams can bid on exclusive negotiation rights with the Korean slugger. However, comments about the payroll by Alderson seem to suggest that the Mets are not ready to acquire such a valuable asset at this time.
Tulowitzki To Mets Not Happening
The Rockies approached the Mets in hopes of dealing All Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to them, but were strongly rebuffed with one team source saying “not happening.” Colorado is unwilling to take on any portion of his remaining $115 million salary and wants a big return for him.
Rockies Inquired About Murphy, Mets Will Keep Him
Barring the addition of a proven offensive minded shortstop, the Mets are inclined to go into next season with Daniel Murphy as their second baseman. The Rockies approached the Mets about acquiring him but were told he is currently unavailable.
Collins Says Tejada Can Be Mets Starting Shortstop
Mike Puma of the NY Post reported that Terry Collins considers Ruben Tejada a candidate for the starting shortstop job. All dialogue up until this point has pointed to Wilmer Flores as the starting shortstop, assuming the Mets don’t acquire someone else, but Collins asserted that Flores hasn’t earned the starting shortstop job and it’s still a tossup.
