The Mets had already addressed the beginning rotation and outfield, most notably, earlier than the lockout was instituted on Dec. 2, however have been removed from completed.
In signing Max Scherzer, Starling Marte, Mark Canha and Eduardo Escobar, the Mets elevated the 2022 payroll to $265 million, however all indications are common supervisor Billy Eppler, with Steve Cohen’s checkbook at his disposal, isn’t completed including.
Here is a primer on the choices going through the Mets as spring coaching prepares to start in Port St. Lucie, Fla:
Remaining free-agent choices
Michael Conforto remains to be in the marketplace, and the Mets is perhaps open to a reunion with the outfielder if he’s open to a brief contract. The Yankees and Diamondbacks have been among the many groups displaying probably the most curiosity in Conforto earlier than the lockout, based on a supply. The addition of the universal DH will create sufficient flexibility for the Mets to justify the re-signing of Conforto, who slumped badly final season.
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The Mets nonetheless have vacancies within the bullpen and have been in contact with Jeurys Familia’s camp earlier than the lockout, based on a supply. Familia was a principally reliable presence within the setup position final season and can be a lower-cost veteran becoming a member of Edwin Diaz, Trevor May and Seth Lugo if the Mets resolve to go that route.
Positions of want
Even with Scherzer’s addition on a three-year contract value $130 million, the Mets nonetheless want a minimum of yet another confirmed arm to affix Jacob deGrom, Taijuan Walker and Carlos Carrasco. Ideally, David Peterson and Tylor Megill would function rotation depth. If not Conforto, the Mets may most likely use one other bat within the lineup. Kyle Schwarber is among the many sexiest names on the free-agent market.
Trades to observe
Jeff McNeil, Dominic Smith and J.D. Davis are all commerce candidates, with it potential as many as two of the three might be dealt in an try so as to add pitching and one other bat. Oakland left-hander Sean Manaea might be a bit the Mets search in a commerce that includes a minimum of one of many aforementioned items. The Reds have right-handers Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray as commerce prospects. If the Mets don’t safe a bat via free company, may a commerce that brings third baseman Josh Donaldson and nearer Taylor Rogers from Minnesota to Queens be the perfect route? These are situations Eppler and supervisor Buck Showalter have had months to ponder. The time to resolve has arrived
