One of a few areas new Mets’ general manager Brodie Van Wagenen would like to improve this winter is the outfield.
Earlier this week, Van Wagenen said New York would have to “get creative” with their payroll to afford Bryce Harper and now that seems to be true with A.J. Pollock as well.
According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Pollock is atop the Mets’ wish list this offseason, but he is reportedly seeking around $80 million, which could box the Mets out from signing other free agents.
When healthy, Pollock is a game-changer, and there’s no disputing that. However, he has lived on the disabled list throughout his career. Regardless, signing him shouldn’t hinder the Mets from making other moves, yet here we are again.
However, if New York did sign Pollock, they could look to trade Nimmo in a deal for Marlins’ catcher J.T. Realmuto, according to Puma.
With all that being said, Puma adds that the Mets are likely to talk with the Dodgers about Yasiel Puig at the Winter Meetings next week.
Puig, 28, appeared in 125 games for Los Angeles in 2018, and was worth 2.7 WAR while hitting at a .267/.327/.494 clip. The longtime Dodger has apparently become “disgruntled” with the organization, and is looking to be moved this winter.
A deal for Puig will likely cost the Mets a decent package, but what L.A. would want is not yet known.
Whether the Mets sign Pollock or someone else, they do need an outfielder. Currently, their outfield corps consists of Nimmo, Michael Conforto and Juan Lagares, the latter of which has also dealt with his share of injuries.
