Steven Matz is not a major loss for the Mets. As a NL insider informed me, “He was below average and has a tendency to crush under pressure.”
That same insider said the Mets upgraded their pitching in the trade with Toronto that got them three right-handers in Sean Reid-Foley, Yennsy Diaz, and Josh Winckowski.
The insider with knowledge of the three pitchers said Winckowski, 22, is capable of being a backend starter in the rotation. He has compiled a 3.35 ERA in four minor league seasons.
The report on Diaz, the Blue Jays’ 26th ranked prospect, “He throws the sharp slider and a year away from being Major League ready.”
So as the Mets continue to pursue Trevor Bauer, as has been reported, the Matz trade of course was also important. The Mets have seen a return on pitching prospects and the game revolves around a deep rotation and bullpen depth.
More important, the $5.2 million salary of Matz is off the table. As I always say, there is a method to the Madness of the “Master” Sandy Alderson. The offseason moves, as insiders inform me, signifies the Mets this year are all in it to win and go deep in October.
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The sleeper of the offseason, if you don’t look at the Francisco Lindor trade as the shocker, is acquiring left-hander Joey Lucchesi from the Padres.
Said the insider with knowledge about Lucchesi, “He’s 27 years old. He can start and come out of the bullpen. He can easily be slotted as the Mets fifth starter.”
Add Bauer to the equation, and the Mets you would assume are the team to beat in the NL East. However, there are the Braves, Nationals, and Phillies that also upgraded their pitching staffs.
The insider added that the Mets are far from done and if they lose out to Bauer, they are seeking another starter and have an interest in signing an outfielder. The Mets are scheduled to attend a Jake Arrieta throwing session on Friday as reported by Andy Martino of SNY.
When contacted by Mets MMO, a NL scout said Arrieta, 4-4 with a 5.08 ERA in nine starts last season, will give a team innings and the Mets could take the chance with a one-year contract.
But he said, the talks to acquire Trevor Bauer are ongoing and other insiders when asked were almost certain that the Mets and Bauer could reach an agreement by Friday or the weekend.
“There are a number of possibilities for the Mets,” said the insider. “Not signing Springer was a good move. They have the money to spend on Bauer. Springer is a better fit for the Blue Jays. “
I was able to learn that Jackie Bradley Jr. and the Mets are also in contact, though a deal to add Bradley as the newest Mets outfielder is not close.
Basically, this has been a Mets offseason of surprise and suspense. Regardless, as I have stated, the Mets have improved but adding Bauer to the rotation and possibly Bradley to their outfield would almost close the deal and be considered a success.
The Mets are scheduled to report to spring training in less than four weeks but many are uncertain about a date that has not been set. Part of the issues are the continued uncertainty of MLB medical protocols and the ongoing pandemic.
When contacted, J.D. Davis informed me there is a lot of optimism about the offseason moves. Davis said Michael Conforto, the team liaison with players and owners, is uncertain about a spring training starting date.
