While this won’t be the first time that the Rockies have listened to offers for Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, most baseball insiders believe this time it will actually happen. With Dan O’Dowd out and new Rockies GM Jeff Bridich in, “they can sell any trade as part of a fresh start for an organization that needs one after way too much losing,” writes Andy Martino. “It will be easier for a new leader to make dramatic changes.”
“Trading Tulowitzki and Gonzalez could enable the Rockies to engineer an accelerated rebuild. The team already has a few promising young players, like All-Star outfielder Charlie Blackmon, and Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado. But in order to climb back toward .500, the Rockies could use two starting pitchers, bullpen help, and a reliable catcher.”
But with both players having had their seasons cut short by surgery on their hip (Tulo) and knee (CarGo), the Rockies have no interest in giving a discount in terms of salary or players received. That could pose a big problem for the Mets. A deal for either player begins with Zack Wheeler or Jacob deGrom plus Kevin Plawecki. That’s just for starters in Tulo’s case.
Wheeler or deGrom is also the price if the Mets opt for Starlin Castro of the Cubs instead. That’s what more than one source told Buster Olney of ESPN.com. The Mets have been linked to Castro before in the last 12 months. Olney also says there are signs that the Mets will be aggressive “with at least one signing and perhaps via trade.”
Over a dozen baseball insiders and Mets beat writers all have the Mets’ primary goal this offseason as adding a right-handed power hitter, that’s not a secret. And given the weak state of the free agent market coupled with qualifying offers to Michael Cuddyer and Melky Cabrera, it’s a given that if the Mets are going to do something it will be via the trade route.
In an exclusive interview with MMO’s John Bernhardt, Sandy Alderson didn’t mince any words when he told us he is looking to upgrade left field.
Several names have already been floated ranging from Yoenis Cespedes and Alex Gordon in the outfield, to Jed Lowrie, Alexei Ramirez and Castro at shortstop. Either way, the Mets are going to have to pay a hefty price especially for a power option because it’s in such short supply.
Look for a lot of Mets buzz, rumors and activity to come in next week at the GM Meetings (November 10-13). This is going to be the hottest hot stove season yet for the Mets, should be fun to follow.
