MLB Trade Rumors released their top 50 free agents with predicted landing spots on Thursday with five former Mets appearing on the list: Jay Bruce (No. 14), Addison Reed (No. 16), Neil Walker (No. 28) and Lucas Duda (No. 48). Curtis Granderson was named as an honorable mention.
These five Mets were traded throughout the season after New York’s playoff aspirations fell apart. Additionally, it has third baseman Todd Frazier (No. 17) landing with the Mets on a three-year, $33 million deal. Here’s what they had to say about each:
Jay Bruce – Blue Jays. Three years, $39MM. Bruce reached the Majors at age 21 with the Reds and hit 216 home runs in nine seasons before he was traded to the Mets at last year’s deadline. While with the Reds in 2010, Bruce signed a six-year, $51MM extension that included a club option for ’17. The Mets exercised that club option last winter, and ended up trading Bruce to the Indians in August. The left-handed slugger has endured ups and downs as a hitter, but he posted a 115 wRC+ with 69 home runs over the last two seasons despite a .317 OBP. Bruce has struggled against left-handed pitching, a weakness that has been exploited by opposing managers who have forced him to face a disproportionate amount of southpaws. Bruce has not generally been lauded for his right field defense since undergoing knee surgery a few years ago, but his metrics bounced back and were above average this year. Bruce turns 31 in April and has a shot at a four-year deal in the Josh Reddick vicinity. The Blue Jays, Orioles, Royals, Rockies, Cardinals, and Giants could be options if the Indians let him leave.
Thoughts: I was a big proponent of the Mets keeping Bruce this season and working out a deal with him for next year. However, things didn’t exactly work out that way as he was ultimately shipped off to Cleveland. I really admired Bruce’s ability to talk to the media through thick and thin as well as adapting to the New York lifestyle and actually thriving here after getting off to a rough start in 2016. With that said, I doubt he returns to Queens even though he said he enjoyed playing here and would be open to a comeback.
I really don’t think he ends up north of the border, though. If he goes anywhere, it will be back to the Indians, down to Texas where he’s from or out in California.
Addison Reed – Cubs. Four years, $36MM. Reed has a chance to follow in the footsteps of Andrew Miller, Darren O’Day, and Brett Cecil to land a four-year deal as reliever who won’t necessarily serve as a closer. Reed did rack up saves for the White Sox and Diamondbacks from 2012-14, but stood out with the Mets as a dominant setup man in 2016. He began this season as the Mets’ stopper due to Jeurys Familia’s suspension. A blood clot put Familia on the DL in May, and Reed regained closing duties until a July trade to Boston, where he set up Craig Kimbrel. Over the last two years, Reed has a 2.40 ERA, 9.8 K/9, and 1.6 BB/9 in 153 2/3 innings, showing remarkable control for a reliever. He doesn’t turn 29 until December and will be a popular target for teams unwilling to meet the demands of Wade Davis and Greg Holland. The Cubs, Astros, Cardinals, Twins, Rangers, Braves, Rockies, and Dodgers are among the potential suitors.
Thoughts: Bringing Addy back to Flushing would be a great move for the Mets, though I doubt Sandy Alderson doles out a multi-year deal for his talents. It’s not something he has done all too frequently and I doubt that changes. Additionally, with the Mets bringing in AJ Ramos and Jeurys Familia coming off injury, New York hopes to have the back end of the ‘pen solidified. Reed is one of the most attractive relievers on the market and there’s no doubt he lands himself a nice lucrative contract.
Neil Walker – Brewers. Two years, $20MM. A year ago, Walker chose to accept the hefty $17.2MM salary that came with the Mets’ qualifying offer rather than hit the market with a draft pick cost attached. He then engaged in multiyear extension talks with the Mets, but nothing came to fruition. This summer, the second baseman missed over a month with a hamstring injury and was traded to the Brewers in August. Walker continued his career-long run as an above-average hitter in 2017. However, the 32-year-old has averaged 112 games over the last two years and may be hard-pressed to find a three-year deal in free agency. There aren’t a ton of teams seeking a second baseman, with the Angels, Blue Jays, Mets and perhaps Red Sox as possibilities if the Brewers don’t bring Walker back.
Thoughts: Jeez, for two-years, $20 million, I wouldn’t mind if the Mets brought back Walker. They still need a second baseman and he performed well in his time here with the Amazin’s. However, with the Mets needing to fill other holes like third base, outfield and pitching first, I think they will ultimately choose to go with an in house option to man second or maybe someone like Eduardo Nunez, who can play multiple positions on the infield.
Lucas Duda – Mariners. One year, $6MM. Duda, 32 in February, spent his entire career with the Mets before being traded to the Rays last July. He’s a powerful first baseman/designated hitter, with at least 27 home runs in three of the last four seasons. However, he has struggled mightily against left-handed pitching outside of the 2015 season. Duda missed several weeks with an elbow injury this year, and was limited to 47 games last year due to a stress fracture in his lower back.
Thoughts: I don’t think Duda truly got enough credit as a Met and honestly, I’d love to see him still manning first for us. I think Dominic Smith still needs some more seasoning in the minors and having Duda back could help give him some more time to develop, especially if it’s on a short term deal. However, if the MLBTR prediction turns out to be correct and the Mets land Frazier, he can slot in at first from time to time, as can Wilmer Flores, so I think bringing in an external first baseman is on the bottom of New York’s shopping list.
As for Curtis Granderson, it’s uncertain whether or not he even plays next season. He has made subtle hints that his playing career could be drawing to a close. While he struggled this past season between New York and Los Angeles, his giant smile and demeanor are sorely missed. With Michael Conforto hurt and the logjam gone, the Mets have room to bring in someone else to help round out the outfield. Bringing Grandy back would do wonders for the clubhouse, but ultimately, I think it’s more likely they dabble in pursuing someone like Lorenzo Cain or Jarrod Dyson.
Last but not least, let’s talk about Todd Frazier.
Todd Frazier – Mets. Three years, $33MM. Frazier, 32 in February, is a quality option at the hot corner who won’t break the bank. He’s been an above-average but unremarkable hitter for the White Sox and Yankees over the last two years, hitting .220/.322/.448 with 67 home runs. Combined with mostly above-average defense at third base and a strong clubhouse reputation, Frazier is a quietly valuable player. He’s the cheaper alternative to Mike Moustakas and could fit with the Mets, Royals, Angels, Braves, Cardinals, or Yankees.
Thoughts: I like Frazier. I really do. The Mets need to replace the power they traded at the deadline somewhere and he is coming off years where hit 40 and 27 long balls, respectively. A lot of people will be dissuaded by his low batting average, but he gets on base enough to make up for it and is a pretty solid defender at third base. Like I mentioned above, he can also slot into first base from time to time which is appealing. I know the Mets said they will likely be slashing payroll, bringing in both Frazier and someone like Eduardo Nunez would be great to solidify the infield.
It’s the beginning of a long offseason, but it will be interesting to see what moves (or lack thereof) the Mets will make.
