Jon Heyman recently released his free agent contract predictions on Fan Rag, writing about the top-56 players on the market. This list includes 2016 Mets Yoenis Cespedes, Jerry Blevins, and Fernando Salas.
Heyman predicts that Cespedes, the best offensive free agent this offseason, will get a four-year deal worth $110 million. The $27.5 million annual salary is consistent with MMO’s predictions as well.
Cespedes hit .280/.354/.530 with 31 home runs and 86 RBIs in 2016, solidifying himself as the Mets’ best hitter. He also provides excellent defense in left field, having won the Gold Glove Award in 2015. He is prone to the occasional unacceptable, lackadaisical gaffe, however he always seems to make up for it.
Heyman describes Jerry Blevins as a “nice lefty specialist” and “good for a clubhouse,” and I couldn’t agree more. Blevins was phenomenal for the Mets out of the bullpen in 2016, going 4-2 with a 2.79 ERA. He appeared in 73 games, striking out 52 batters in 42 innings while also recording two saves.
His contract is predicted to be around two-years and $12 million, which the Mets seem to be able to afford. While the Mets currently have lefties Josh Smoker and Josh Edgin, it would not be the least bit surprising to see Blevins in the 2017 Mets bullpen.
Fernando Salas was great for the Mets down the stretch and represents yet another fantastic low-cost signing by Sandy Alderson. He appeared in 17 games, striking out 19 batters in 17.1 innings while pitching to a stellar 2.08 ERA and 0.635 WHIP.
Heyman predicts that Salas will receive a two-year, $8 million deal. The Mets, who already have Jeurys Familia, Addison Reed, Hansel Robles, and others, seem to be in the market for a reliever a tier higher than Salas.
Not on Heyman’s list was Kelly Johnson, who will be sought after this offseason for his versatility in the field as well as his clutch bat. I find it unlikely that the Mets will be pursuing him because they already have Jose Reyes, Wilmer Flores, and T.J. Rivera as infield depth.
This is already turning out to be an exciting and eventful offseason, but the fun is just beginning!
