Following today’s press conference surrounding the introduction of new Mets manager Carlos Beltran, Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen was questioned by the media about his hopes and ideas for the offseason.

 

No New Options at Third

In today’s press conference, Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen noted that Jeff McNeil will be seeing a lot of time at third base. McNeil, who ended his 2019 season with a slash line of .318/.384/.916, was used mostly as a utility man last season.

Van Wagenen also mentioned JD Davis as a viable option for third base. His focus is on looking to “improve our defense” Consequently, that move eliminates a bigger need for a big name third basemen like Anthony Rendon. 

Questions Surrounding Pitching 

Starting pitching has never been too much of a question mark for the Mets until now. With the struggles of Steven Matz and Noah Syndergaard in the starting rotation and the lack of depth in the bullpen, many see the need to beef up the pitching staff. 

With pitchers like Gerrit Cole and now Stephen Strasburg reaching free agency, there is hardly a lacking of talent available for the taking. 

When asked about the pitching staff Van Wagenen noted his interest in moving Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman back into the starting rotation. As for the bullpen, Van Wagenening is looking to fortify the bullpen and, if need be, become creative.  

 

Terry Collins Reunion Looking Slim

With the introduction of Carlos Beltran as the new Mets manager, there have been many questions surrounding his next steps in terms of coaching. Van Wagenen has made it clear to Beltran that the coaching staff can be molded to his liking in order to help him feel as comfortable as possible.

As reported by our very own Jack Ramsey, Terry Collins was at the top of Beltran’s list when it came to bench coaches. He mentioned the former Mets manager in his interviews with both the Mets and Yankees. For now, however, Beltran says Terry Collins will be more of a mentor towards him as Terry is not sure if he is ready to become a full-time bench coach. 

Zack Wheeler Could Return

With Zack Wheeler reaching free agency, the question was whether or not the Mets would look to resign him. Wheeler was a more or less solid starter who continuously showed signs of improvement and that Wheeler magic that was seen in his early years. The Georgia native ended his 2019 season with an ERA of 3.96 and a WHIP of 1.259

The Mets will reportedly extend Wheeler a qualifying offer worth 17.8 million before today’s deadline. 

 

Brodie vs. Free Agents 

This offseasons free-agent class is nothing short of beefy. With players like Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon available, there is hardly a lacking of options for the Mets to choose from. In the case of Rendon, Van Wagenen has made it clear that he intends to look within for a third baseman, but he did note that they “won’t rule anything out” in terms of going after free agents in the offseason. 

In terms of pitching, Strasburg, Cole and even Bumgarner could be valuable additions to a currently struggling pitching staff. According to Steve Gelbs of SNY, Van Wagenen did indicate that the Mets have the financial ability to add whoever they would like this offseason.