Trevor Bauer in his own way made a pitch to Steve Cohen on a YouTube segment. He praised the new Mets owner and provided an outline as to why Cohen is off to a great start. It’s titled “Steve Cohen’s BRILLIANT Start.”
Though the start has those gaps to fill and in the hands of Sandy Alderson. A director of baseball operations, general manager, or combining both into one role, are closing in. So before assuming that Bauer, George Springer, or J.T. Realmuto is heading to Citi Field, the front office process needs to be in place.
Sources have informed me, regardless, the Mets have every intention to make more than one splash in free agency. And, yes, Francisco Lindor is also a subject of trade talk and on the radar.
And if the Mets make an early splash in free agency, they have the resources to do so, George Springer could be the first signing of Cohen’s brilliant start.
So why Springer as the beginning of this brilliant start? And is Bauer also another part of this splash and brilliant start for the new owner?
I asked a longtime NL executive, is a Lindor trade to the Mets possible. He said, “The Mets have a lot of assets to get Lindor.” Again, any number of possibilities for the Mets are realistic. The resources are available.
“Bauer, and $35 million from the Mets,” he said is something that is more realistic with their resources to do it.”
Springer, though, is more realistic. He could be the first of a big splash for Steve Cohen. And there is a connection to Springer and a candidate that Alderson is eyeing for either GM or overseeing baseball operations.
Two names in particular, Bobby Heck and Tommy Tanous have quietly become possible in the Sandy Alderson search.
Heck, special assistant to the general manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, served six years prior as the assistant GM and scouting director for the Astros and credited for drafting Dallas Keuchel, Carlos Correa, J.D. Martinez, and Jason Castro.
And the connection to Springer works in favor of the Mets with the resources to do it. Heck delivered the 2017 World Series MVP to Houston as a first round selection in the 2011 MLB draft.
Heck also spent 12 years scouting for the Rangers and Brewers.
“Sandy has close ties with Bobby,” said the NL executive. “Springer is just one of the many connections. Bobby is a good baseball executive and respected. “
But this is baseball and that game of economics. We know, the complexion of a short season and global pandemic has cut the resources and 29 other owners may not have the resources to offer those long term and lucrative contracts.
Anything is possible. Bobby Heck is possible.
Tommy Tanous, Vice President of International And Amateur Scouting has been in that role for the Mets since December of 2016. Before joining the Mets, he spent six years with the Blue Jays as a national crosschecker and area supervisor.
Tanous, in place, and the NL executive said “In good standing with Sandy. There will be an emphasis to restructure the minor league system and player development.”
Consider the Mets will be active in pursuit of starting pitching, everyday catcher, bullpen help, and of course an outfielder. The executive mentioned free agent Brad Hand, the 30-year-old left-hander. Hand in 2020 with the Indians: 23 games, 16 saves, 22.0 innings, 2.05 ERA and 29 strikeouts.
But first, it’s getting the front office in order. Sandy Alderson is expected to come to finalize the decisions at some point this week. The resources are there. All you have to do is watch the Trevor Bauer pitch about Steve Cohen.
