Mark Simon of ESPN New York, posted his own blueprint for what the Mets should do this offseason that is certainly worth a read.
Simon is very high on Toronto slugger Jose Bautista, who he hopes will be on Sandy Alderson’s radar this off-season. He believes the Blue Jays matchup very well with the Mets in a trade, particularly because of their stated need at second base which Daniel Murphy could potentially fill.
While it would take a significant package to acquire Bautista, Simon believes it would be well worth it for the Mets. He suggests starting with Zack Wheeler and Murphy and then tinkering with the right prospects until GM Alex Anthopoulos at least says “I’ll think it over.”
Bautista, 33, batted .286/.403/..524 with 35 home runs and 105 RBI for the Jays this season. He only struck out 96 times while amassing 104 walks, and has posted a 6.0 WAR with a .938 OPS ranking 4th in the league.
He has a year left on his contract for $14 million – less than Granderson and Wright – and there’s a team option for $14 million in 2016. He is in phenomenal shape and is showing no signs of decline.
Lets face it, Bautista would immediately and substantially upgrade a gaping hole at corner outfield for the Mets. But more than that, he would add an impact power bat to the middle of the order. It may even prove to be the move that gets the Mets over the hump and makes them an instant playoff contender next season and beyond. He’s a difference maker.
Do you agree, disagree? How much are you willing to part with?
