Sandy Alderson told MLB Network Radio that he would consider forfeiting another draft pick if he can sign a player at a discount toward the end of the offseason.
“We’d consider it. Of course it’s easier to give up a second-round pick after we’ve already lost a first-round pick.”
Alderson pointed to last offseason when Nelson Cruz settled for a one year deal for $8 million dollars after holding out for a multi-year deal most of the winter.
I have no idea what players Sandy is talking about here. Of the 12 players that received qualifying offers, Victor Martinez, Hanley Ramirez, Pablo Sandoval, Russell Martin, and of course Michael Cuddyer are already off the boards.
So is he talking about David Robertson, Melky Cabrera, and Nelson Cruz? Which of these players is going to be hanging around in January looking for a one-year deal at a discount? All of them reportedly have 3-4 year deals in hand.
I mean seriously… All that’s left for the Mets offseason in free agency is a LOOGY and a right-handed bench player. If they do address shortstop (and that’s a big if) it’s pretty much established that it will happen via trade and not free agency.
I guess from a PR standpoint it’s easier to go on the air and say “we would consider sacrificing a second round pick” instead of saying, “we’re pretty much done spending for this offseason.” I mean, who wants to hear that?
