The General Managers Meetings officially begins on Monday, November 9 in Boca Raton, Florida and will last through Thursday, November 12.
All 30 MLB general managers will meet and discuss a variety of baseball issues, participate in various workshops and make presentations, and elect the 2015 MLB Executive of the Year. But of course that is merely the backdrop.
The GM Meetings have evolved into a staging ground for all of the wheeling and dealing that is to come this winter. It’s the official start of the Hot Stove season and more and more trades and signings come out of it with each passing year.
This is a time for general managers to collect information, gauge certain markets, talk to some agents who are also there, and setting up the groundwork for what lies ahead in terms of improving their teams.
Here are some of the things the Mets will be looking to address as the offseason gets underway:
1. Second Base – With Daniel Murphy all but officially gone, what’s the plan for 2016? Do they simply hand the job to untested rookie Dilson Herrera and hope for the best? Do they slide Wilmer Flores over and sign a shortstop? Do they go after Ben Zobrist?
2. Trade Assets – The team may address some areas of concern via trade rather than free agency. Will Zack Wheeler be the starter they try to move as they almost did at the trade deadline? Will they look to move Juan Lagares or Jon Niese or perhaps even Michael Cuddyer?
3. Bullpen – Clearly the Mets need a setup man they can count on next season instead of the revolving door we saw in 2015. Is Addison Reed that guy or do they pursue someone like free agent Darren O’Day?
4. Outfield – How do they replace the bat of Yoenis Cespedes? Do they look for an everyday bat or just someone who can platoon with Lagares? Is Jason Heyward out of the question? Where’s Nimmo?
5. Third Base – Can David Wright give them 145 games next season? Do they bring back Juan Uribe just in case? What about Kelly Johnson? Is there any help on the farm?
6. Shortstop – Did Flores do enough to win the everyday job next season? Do you go after a more defensive minded shortstop or use the position to add some offense as in the form of Ian Desmond?
Armed with what Sandy Alderson says is an “increased payroll” I’m looking forward to seeing how he navigates his way through the next two months as he readies the team to defend their National League title. As Terry Collins aptly said last week, “Now we’re the ones with a target on our backs.”
Last year at the GM Meetings, the Mets came out swinging and signed free agent Michael Cuddyer. It will be interesting to see what lies ahead during the next four days. Stick with us as we bring you all the action, all the rumors, and all the buzz.
