Well, it looks like another sub-.500 season is close to the end, and we can expect Alderson and Collins back, so it’s time to look at what the off-season might have in store for the Mets. I think we can eliminate “spend big and acquire two or three major stars”, but it’s still somewhat of a mystery what the Amazins will do. Here are a few possibilities.
1. Minor Tinkering Only: With Matt Harvey coming back and progress from the likes of Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler, Travis d’Arnaud, Juan Lagares, and Lucas Duda, we can hope for continued improvement from them along with better seasons from David Wright and Curtis Granderson. Just add a few pieces via low-cost free agency or minor trades such as another righthanded hitting 1B/LF type, a veteran utility infielder, and a couple of arms to replace Carlyle and Eveland. Maybe replace a coach or two. This, is of course, the ultra-conservative approach. It assumes any trade of Colon, Gee, Niese, or Murphy will be instigated by the other team involved and that the return will be in the form of more prospects or relatively inconsequential major leaguers.
2. Trade Prospects for Established Players: Will Alderson go this route to fill the holes in left field and shortstop? Such names as Yoenis Cespedes, Mark Trumbo, Jose Bautista, Yunel Escobar, Starlin Castro, etc. have popped up from time to time Obviously the value of each in terms of the talent the Mets will have to give up varies and whatever deal the Mets make will undoubtedly be considered an over-payment by some fans, but at least the Mets can say they are serious about challenging for a playoff spot in 2015.
3. Trade Pitching Prospects for Hitting Prospects: This probably won’t improve the team’s chances in 2015 but there are plenty of fans drooling over the Cubs’ Addison Russell or Javier Baez and think trading 2-3 of our top prospects for either one of them would be a great deal. Count me out on that one.
4. Unload Veteran Players: Trade Colon, Murphy and/or Gee for whatever they can get in prospects and use the money saved to sign a Melky Cabrera or Nelson Cruz to a multi-year deal.
5. Get A Star: Target one particular star player and offer whatever prospects it takes to get him. The player has to be potentially a major difference maker such as Troy Tulowitzki, Ryan Braun, Giancarlo Stanton, or any other established star in their class. Of course, we are also talking major salary commitment.
Personally, I am hoping for option #2, but I’m expecting option #1.
What do you think? What do you want the Mets to do (be realistic, please – selling the team is not an option!) and what do you expect them to actually do?
