The New York Mets have been one of the busiest teams in what has been an unprecedentedly slow offseason. Between filling their large hole at catcher, adding a nice bullpen piece, and adding one of the game’s best shortstops, the Mets are consistently checking their checklist for the 2021 season.
Naturally, when you have as busy of an offseason as Steve Cohen and the Mets do, there is plenty of interest in tradable players and free agents.
Kris Bryant
Just last week, the Mets were rumored to have interest in Cubs’ star third baseman and former MVP Kris Bryant. Since then, a splash was made to acquire another star in Francisco Lindor. In that same trade, the Mets netted themselves a true number two starter in Carlos Carrasco. An industry source indicated that a the time, the Mets had an interest and were discussing a potential Bryant and Kyle Hendricks trade before the blockbuster deal with Cleveland. As things stand at the moment the Mets are less likely to make a second splash in their infield. Despite this, New York still has had discussions with Chicago, but there are no indicators that a deal is “likely or close” per a source.
Left-handed Reliever
The Mets currently project to have no real lefty reliever in their bullpen. The only southpaws on their roster are Steven Matz, David Peterson, Thomas Szapucki, Stephen Tarpley, and Daniel Zamora. The Mets also signed veteran lefty Jerry Blevins, and Tom Windle to minor league contracts with spring invites to add to the competition. A source indicated at the Mets have done some homework on Jake McGee and Justin Wilson as well as Brad Hand for the bullpen spot. Josh Hader has not been discussed but the source indicated that the Brewers have been looking for ways to re-invest payroll and Hader may be the means of that.
Springer?
As well documented, the Mets have been interested in star free agent centerfielder George Springer. The Mets and Blue Jays appear to be the final two teams involved but due to Springer’s hefty price tag, no team has completed a deal. As things stand, the Mets are not in as great of a position to ink the former Astro since they traded for Lindor and Carrasco. This doesn’t mean that the Mets won’t pursue it. The Mets have looked into other ventures to allocate their salary.
Salary Reallocation
The Mets have had many discussions with teams about potentially moving salary. Jeurys Familia and Matz would seem to be likely candidates. Brad Brach and Dellin Betances are other pitchers that would make sense to some degree.
Enrique Hernandez
The Mets currently are slated to have Luis Guillorme man the super-utility role. He only has experience on the left side of the infield. The Mets may be interested in adding someone with a higher pedigree of experience and that may be Hernandez. The Mets are among many other teams that have expressed interest in Hernandez’s services.
Source: The #Mets are one of many teams to have interest in former #Dodgers super-utility man Enrique Hernandez.
— Yehuda Schwartz (@yaschwa30) January 13, 2021
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