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We know that changes need to be made. And we know that you’ve thought about it too.  So tell us, what would your offseason as the Mets GM look like? Here’s what we think.

Marshall Field

This off-season could be cantankerous or calm, busy or docile as the old Collective Bargaining Agreement runs out on December 1. While the owners seem fairly steadfast with the way things are, it is the players who want to seek some major changes. These will be all outlined by MMO as the deadline approaches, but if I was the GM of the Mets, I would think the best course of action is to tread lightly until we know if there is a work stoppage for the first time in about 25 years.

I am aware of the on-field needs the Mets have: depth at starting pitching, catcher, infield and outfield help, etc. That doesn’t mention the qualifying offers already extended to key players. Although the general manager meetings went on as usual, it is the Winter Meetings that could be in jeopardy based on the status of the game as of December 2. So the bottom line here, treading lightly for now might be the fortuitous thing to do. December 1 is only a few weeks away, and if the two sides manage to finalize an agreement, they’ll be plenty of time to tackle the on- and off-field issues the Mets will need to address before Opening Day 2022.

I have seen too many work stoppages in my life in sports, and I am praying there is not another.

Salvatore Manzo

This is an important question, considering the Mets still don’t have a GM! I guess I’ll throw my hat in the ring, so here’s my offseason pitch.

As we know, the Amazins have a lot of holes to fill, and with a lockout looming, this could be the craziest offseason in recent memory. With that being said, let’s start by talking pitching. Re-signing Marcus Stroman and Aaron Loup would be two of my top priorities, along with Rich Hill to try and deepen a very thin starting rotation. On that same thought, another starter I would bring in is veteran and future Hall of Famer, Justin Verlander. He’s coming off of Tommy John surgery and hasn’t pitched since 2019, but the 38-year-old should be ready to rock for 2022 and would be stabilizing, veteran presence at the top of the rotation behind Jacob deGrom.

Now let’s not forget about the Mets lineup, which could use some big-time upgrades! Like many, I would re-sign Javier Báez and anchor him with Francisco Lindor up the middle for the next four to five years, but I’m not stopping there! With the likely departure of Michael Conforto, I would move Jeff McNeil permanently to right field, sign Kris Bryant to play third base primarily, bring in Starling Marte to man center field, and make Brandon Nimmo the everyday left fielder. This would all be in a perfect world, which we know as Mets fans doesn’t really exist, which calls for some alternative options. A team like the Cincinnati Reds or Cleveland Guardians could potentially be good trade partners. A trade package of Luis Castillo and/or Eugenio Suárez would solve a couple of key vacancies for New York, as well as a player like Jose Ramirez from Cleveland.

One thing is certain, whoever the Mets do hire to make these decisions will have their hands full!

Patrick Glynn

Kris Bryant, Kevin Gausman or Marcus Stroman, Javy Báez, and as much pitching and positional player depth as New York can afford. (This is under the assumption Noah Syndergaard accepts the qualifying offer.) The first three additions (which will probably cost about $65 million-plus per year), will plug the most glaring holes on the team. It’ll also stop them from trading their handful of top prospects from the minors, and it feels they just need six freaking months where one of the top five or 10 prospects isn’t dealt. (We can revisit this in July.)

It’s a lofty offseason plan, but I don’t think it’s one that isn’t unattainable. It wouldn’t be spending like a drunken sailor, and it’d give the Mets one of the best rosters in the majors.

Rich Sparago

The focus has to be starting pitching. The Mets do not have depth within the organization, and even if Syndergaard returns, they will still need at least two starting pitchers. Perhaps one can be Stroman (my preference). Other candidates include Gausman and Anthony DeSclafani.

Once starting pitching is addressed, the next priority is Javier Báez. He brings so many dimensions to the team, not the least of which is creating a very solid double-play combination with Francisco Lindor. I’d stay away from Bryant, though he is a masher at the plate. He has an injury history, and I worry that will get worse as he moves through his next contract. I’d like to see the Mets add two outfielders, and someone who can play third base on a fairly short-term contract (no more than two years).

Also, the next GM has to be sure that Aaron Loup comes back. This is a tall order. Two starting pitchers, Báez, two outfielders, a third baseman, and Aaron Loup. Trades will need to be made, and money will need to be spent. There’s a potential work stoppage, and the offseason is already underway with no GM in sight. I wish the new person luck. He or she will need it if the Mets are to be contenders in 2022.

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Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that Reds starter Luis Castillo is drawing early trade interest from multiple teams. The news comes as no surprise after the Reds traded catcher Tucker Barnhart and put starter Wade Miley on waivers last week.

Castillo, 28, rebounded from early 2021 struggles to post a 3.98 ERA, 3.75 FIP, 4.8 bWAR, and 192 strikeouts in 187 innings for the Reds. The right-hander had a 3.62 ERA combined in the previous four seasons.

His best season by bWAR was in 2019, when he posted a 4.9 bWAR and was a National League All-Star.

Castillo is arbitration eligible this offseason and next, and then he becomes a free agent after the 2023 season. MLB Trade Rumors projects that Castillo will make $7.6 million for the 2022 season.

On Sunday, we took a look at how the Mets could match up with the Reds in any potential trades this offseason.

The post Report: Reds Starter Luis Castillo Drawing Early Trade Interest appeared first on Metsmerized Online.