Sandy Alderson met with the media for the second time in as many days. Alderson spoke more openly about specific Mets players rather than just how the Mets front office search is going.
No GM Update
Another day passes, another day the Mets are no closer to hiring a general manager. Or at least that’s what Alderson says.
“I don’t have any expectation about the timing, we’re still going through the process,” Alderson said.
The Mets have not offered the job to anyone and they currently have multiple candidates they’re looking at, according to the Mets president.
Still, signs have been pointing to lawyer Adam Comrie becoming the next Mets general manager. He and Steve Cohen met face-to-face Tuesday night. No other known candidate has as much traction behind their name as the former Nationals assistant GM. Maybe there’s a secret candidate for the secret candidate.
Robinson Cano
Mets second baseman Robinson Cano is playing his first professional baseball in over a year since being suspended the entire 2021 season for PEDs.
Cano appeared for the Estrellas Orientales of the Dominican Winter League on Wednesday night. The Mets are paying the 39-year-old $24 million in 2022 and 2023. They don’t know what position the career second baseman will play.
“That remains to be determined, it could be at second base, third base, or DH,” Alderson said.
Cano will be present at Spring Training.
“How he is received will depend on how he conducts himself and explains himself between now and Spring Training,” Alderson said.
Feuding with Boras
Scott Boras referred to his client Michael Conforto as the king of queens and ace of many general managers’ hearts on Wednesday. Alderson didn’t seem pleased with the characterization.
“Those comments I would characterize as a blowhard in a house of cards,” Alderson said.
Javier Baez
The Mets best player in the final two months of the season, Javier Baez, feuded with fans and the front office but his play on the field made it all worth it. Baez was the Mets’ best deadline acquisition since Yoenis Cespedes and Alderson sounds like he wants him back.
“His impression on me was very positive. I thought he played exceptionally well. He’s obviously a multi-talented player. I think he would fit in well in New York. Nothing seems to faze him in terms of the size of the stage, can help a team in a number of different ways, and he’s an entertaining player. He goes beyond just contributing to a winning team. So, lots of positives there.”
Starting Pitching Pursuit
Alderson addressed the Mets needs for starting pitching this offseason.
“Starting pitching is definitely something we need to address. If the opportunity presents itself to do something at the top end of the rotation, I think we’ll definitely consider that. Just as important however, based on our experience last year, depth at the other end of the rotation is really important also. Pitching will be a focus for us like it is every team.”
He also brought up free agents Marcus Stroman and Noah Syndergaard.
“We’ll see. Part of it will depend on his level of interest,” Alderson said of Stroman. “He pitched really well for us this year, was very durable unlike the rest of our starting pitching. So, he did a nice job for us and I think on that basis, we have to have some interest.”
“I think it’s fair to say that what he will give any team during 2022 is up for debate,” Alderson said of Syndergaard. “I mean, he’s coming off of two years of not performing. He seems to be fully healthy at this point, so there’s still going to be issues about him until he’s on the mound and he’s on the mound consistently over a period of time.”
