Earlier today, Jon Heyman of TodaysKnuckleball.com released his list of the top 30 players hitting the open market this winter, and predictions as to the deal they will land.
Three Mets made Heyman’s list, including Yoenis Cespedes who came in as the number one sought after free agent this winter.
Neil Walker and Bartolo Colon also came in at #19 and #26 on the list, respectively.
Yoenis Cespedes:
“He’s put up yet another monster season, easily outplaying last winter’s other outfield Jason Heyward, Justin Upton and Alex Gordon. There’s no reason he shouldn’t get a guaranteed deal of at least four years, even with the qualifying offer attached this time, and a stated intention to stay in left field now. As for his chance to stick with the $47.5 million over two years and not opt out, one person put that option at ‘zero percent.’ So he’s safely on this list, and at the top. Early guess: $100M, 4 years.”
While Cespedes has said time and time again that he will not opt out of his current contract with the Amazin’s, the stud outfielder is easily the most appealing name in an otherwise weak free agent market. It would be silly for him to not test the waters, but the Mets do need to realize that they need to bring back their slugger by any means possible.
Neil Walker:
“Walker was boffo in Queens before going out with a disc issue. Early guess: $24M, 2 years.”
I’m going to say that I would be very surprised if we don’t see Walker in a Mets uniform next season. With Dilson Herrera being shipped off to Cincinnati, we still have a need at second base for the near future. Walker thrived before his injury that derailed his season, but having the duo of Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera up the middle will be a strength for the Mets in 2017.
Bartolo Colon:
“The most amazing man in baseball. Early guess: $12M, 1 year.”
Colon has demonstrated time and time again that he can be an effective starting pitcher, even at the ripe age of 43. With no thoughts on retirement just yet, bringing back Colon is a must for the Mets. Pitching, as we all saw this year, is something you can never have enough of. I think the Mets will re-up a deal with Colon very early on in the offseason.
