Jon Heyman of FanCred Sports gave an update on one of the most enticing — and enigmatic — free agents to hit the market in recent memory, Manny Machado, stating that the New York Mets “are not seen as a player” for the Miami native’s services.
“[The] Mets are not seen as a player for Machado. Of course, [dollars] are always a consideration, but the sense is that they don’t see him as the right player to spend on,” Heyman said. “That doesn’t mean they won’t make a splash.”
He goes on to note that the team is “looking at catcher, bullpen, and infield” as areas to presumably upgrade. In another tweet, he lists Wilson Ramos and Martin Maldonado as “catchers of interest”.
In 2018 with the Dodgers and Orioles, Machado posted a 6.2 fWAR and slashed .297/.367/.538 with 35 doubles, 37 home runs, 14 stolen bases, and 107 RBI. The 26-year-old played 16 games at third base and 146 at shortstop during the 2018 season.
On Thursday, Matt Ehalt of The Record also hinted that the Mets may not be testing the Machado waters.
“A source said the Mets are not expected to be a player for Machado despite the natural fit and the potential for Machado to transform the Mets into contenders,” Ehalt wrote. “The Mets are instead focusing on the relief pitching, catching, and outfield markets.”
Opinion
While these reports aren’t very encouraging for the pockets of the fanbase who want to see Machado in Queens for the next decade-or-so, it’s still very early in the process.
Even if the team doesn’t go after Machado, general manager Brodie Van Wagenen — with the backing of ownership to boot — appears to be committed to upgrading this team into contention.
