With the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida beginning Sunday, Mets fans received some clarity on the team’s intentions for this coming week and presumably the rest of the offseason.
Speaking with the media, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson touched upon several burning topics:
- When asked about potential trades, Alderson said, “the minor league system isn’t brimming with prospects right now,” according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
- With two relievers already coming off the board in Brandon Morrow and Luke Gregerson, Alderson said the Mets will be looking for “value” in the relief market and won’t jump into the “inferno,” Puma adds.
- Michael Conforto is set to begin swinging in January, but Alderson dismissed the notion that the outfielder projects to be ready for Opening Day, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
- Additionally, James Wagner of the New York Times reports that Alderson reiterated the team’s pursuit of an outfielder/first base type as Conforto works his way back from injury. This player figures to be from the lower tier and someone who won’t eliminate Dominic Smith from first base contention in Spring Training.
- Tongue in cheek, Alderson said that with Brandon Nimmo in right field, he saw no need to pursue Giancarlo Stanton. Talk about a lot of guile. He also added that the team didn’t feign interest due to Stanton’s massive contract.
Well, there you have it. Alderson more or less confirmed what the situation is: the team doesn’t have a lot of money to spend this offseason and they don’t have the depth to obtain an impact player via trade.
MMO’s own Joe D. hit the nail on the head when he gave us his Winter Meetings primer earlier today. The full piece can be found here.
