Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
One of the biggest gripes many of us have had about the New York Mets in the recent past is the inability (or, unwillingness) to finish an offseason. The front office would make win-now moves early in the winter or even prior to the previous season’s trade deadline (like to acquire Marcus Stroman), only to leave the roster with holes despite capable options remaining on the market.
We knew that was likely a thing of the past, but we’re about to hopefully see that come to fruition.
The elephant in the room is free agent Trevor Bauer, who remains unsigned as the calendar flips to February. While his on-field ability would easily help the Mets, there are some off-field questions that have been discussed all winter. However, the Mets are either OK with how he plans to carry himself moving forward or just don’t mind the past much since they’ve reportedly submitted a formal multi-year offer for $30-plus million per season.
With New York getting closer to the luxury tax threshold, shedding Steven Matz’s $5.2 million contract was seen by many as a move to prepare for Bauer, but that certainly doesn’t seem to be the case just yet. There are other teams — like the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers — still in the mix, and even if the Mets are a serious suitor, it’s no sure thing. If Bauer just wanted to be a Met, he would’ve signed on the dotted line by now, but he’s keeping his options open, as free agents should.
When it comes to making one final splash before Opening Day, signing Bauer may not be the only choice. Based on how we’ve seen the front office operate, they’re probably not putting all their eggs into the “Let’s sign Bauer” basket.
The Thing That Needs to Happen
Regardless of the route New York goes for this finishing move to its offseason, a natural center fielder needs to be part of it. While Jackie Bradley Jr. isn’t the perfect fit because he’s another left-handed hitting outfielder, he’s got what the Mets need:
— He’s not too old (entering his age-31 season) and can be had on a short-term deal (MLB Trade Rumors is projecting him to get a two-year, $16 million contract).
— While some of his peripherals are concerning, he’s shown the ability to be an above-average offensive contributor.
— Most importantly, he’s an elite defender, which would complete New York’s middle-of-the-field defensive makeover.
We still don’t know for sure if there will be a universal designated hitter for 2021, which could make things tricky, but it’s time for the Mets to prioritize center field defense and keep Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto at the corners.
Where The Option Lies
For the final, headline-grabbing move, it’d be easy to go all-in and sign Bauer. The Mets are flush with cash, and even if they go over the luxury tax line, it’s not a huge deal. But the intriguing part lies with Bauer’s former teammates in Cincy: starting pitcher Sonny Gray and third baseman Eugenio Suarez.
Tim Ryder recently reported that New York checked in on these two. Michael Mayer added the following info on the Reds’ interest in reuniting with Bauer:
The Reds would still like to bring Trevor Bauer back, and that’s where the Mets fit in again potentially.
To afford Bauer, the Reds would have to shed payroll and the Mets have shown interest in both Eugenio Suarez and Sonny Gray as reported by @TimothyRRyder.
— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) January 25, 2021
We’ve already seen Cincinnati shed payroll earlier this winter by dealing Raisel Iglesias to the Los Angeles Angels, and these two would also fit the bill.
Gray, who has posted a 6.1 fWAR and a 3.07 ERA in 231.1 innings since 2019, has two years and $20.2 million left on his current deal (with a $12 million option for 2023). Suarez, who has posted 10 OAA at third base and is also tied with Nolan Arenado for the fourth-most homers since 2017 (124), has four years and $43.5 million on his deal (with a $15 million club option for 2025).
If Cincy really wants Bauer, they could afford the $30-plus million commitment by jettisoning Suarez ($10.5 mil in ‘21) and Gray ($10 mil) with the already-gone Iglesias ($9.125 mil).
The big question with regard to New York’s involvement would be the players that must be sent packing for a hypothetical deal to happen. One can imagine J.D. Davis would be included, building around him from there. We know the Mets have a handful of prospects who aren’t available, but they’ve shown a willingness to part with some players to get what they want.
The Benefits of This Alternative Route
Gray would provide the rotation depth New York wants with yet another frontline starter while giving them a capable (and reasonably inexpensive) top three of Jacob deGrom, Carlos Carrasco, and Gray for 2022, even if Stroman and Noah Syndergaard don’t return. Suarez would provide the Mets with a powerful (and again, rather inexpensive) solution for third base, which is a potential weakness heading into 2021 (their 1.8 projected fWAR currently ranks in the bottom half of baseball).
And if we add these two in with potentially nabbing JBJ, there’s a chance they can still squeak under the luxury tax threshold heading into Opening Day.
The obvious finishing move would be to simply sign Bauer, but it isn’t the only intriguing option on the table. What we can be sure of, though, is that the Mets will at least make a serious effort to put the cherry on top of an impressive offseason before the real work begins.
