Here is what Sandy Alderson had to say tonight at the Winter Meetings.
Sandy Alderson reiterated that the Mets would not pursue a higher-end bullpen option such as Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen or Mark Melancon. “I don’t think we’re looking at that top end.” He also explained why giving out a two-year deal to a reliever is generally a bad idea and them mentioned D.J. Carrasco as an example. The Mets could also consider converting Seth Lugo, Robert Gsellman and Zack Wheeler for bullpen roles if necessary.
The Mets are reportedly looking for at least two quality relievers to bolster the bullpen including a late inning arm who can take over the seventh inning role, preferably with some closing experience. At least one of those arms will be a left-hander to replace Jerry Blevins.
The Mets could be looking at the following free agents options: LHP Javier Lopez, LHP J.P. Howell, LHP Boone Logan, RHP Brad Ziegler, RHP Joe Smith, RHP Santiago Casilla, RHP Sergio Romo, RHP Koji Uehara, RHP Drew Storen, and RHP Joaquin Benoit.
Another free agent arm that could interest the Mets is right-hander Daniel Hudson, but according to Jon Heyman, 15 other teams have expressed interest in him as well.
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Sandy does not see any situation where he would trade both Jay Bruce and Curtis Granderson. Alderson added that Granderson’s role as a team leader holds weight for him and his front office. “It would be difficult to trade Curtis Granderson given what he’s meant to the club and how important he is to the fabric of the team.” Where did we hear that before? 😉
I’ve said this repeatedly, the front office loves Granderson, and if you heard Sandy Alderson last week on WOR Radio, there was a lot of moaning and groaning and sighing when the topic switched to Jay Bruce. If Sandy can get anything of value for him in the form of a reliable arm for the bullpen or a team’s top prospect, the Mets GM will be a very happy camper.
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Additionally, Adam Rubin adds that the Mets are fully planning to go with Travis d’Arnaud as the primary catcher in 2017 and don’t foresee going the external route. That’s the case even with a new crop of free agents such as Welington Castillo, who was non-tendered by the Diamondbacks.
