Reese Kaplan -- Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop

The Mets stunned the baseball world (and especially their own fan base) by bringing back Jay Bruce on a backloaded deal that will pay him $10 million in 2018, then $14.5 million each of the next two years. If the rumored $10 million payroll budget was a hard total, then they are done. If there is room to add (or players to be moved such as A.J. Ramos or Juan Lagares) to free up additional funds, then perhaps there’s still room to make more roster additions. If the latter is true, what should they do? 

Many people are actively seeking a Tood Frazier or Mike Moustakas addition to third base with Asdrubal Cabrera moving to 2B. Trading Ramos and Lagares for prospects would free up $15.5 million this year and get you out from under the $9 million obligation for the flashy centerfielder for next year, so that is indeed doable. However, there are other ways to go that might be more prudent that putting all your eggs in one more very expensive basket. 

Remember, Sandy Alderson’s mantra since arriving has been payroll flexibility. Locking in another long term deal for one of the aforementioned third baseman runs contrary to that philosophy. Furthermore, it presupposes you’re willing to close the chapter on David Wright’s career (even if he isn’t). Both of these factors lead me to believe that the Mets are not going in that direction. 

Similarly, the younger and somewhat more versatile Eduardo Nunez would require a multiyear commitment. You could argue at this stage of their respective careers for somewhat similar players, he’s a better bet than Jose Reyes would be, but the long term financial commitment makes me think there’s a reason he’d never been in any of the many Mets rumors that we’ve heard. 

No, I think the team is probably more likely to find the types of players who could address multiple positions but not require long term deals. Towards that end both Jose Reyes and Howie Kendrick are more likely to capture Sandy Alderson’s attention. Reyes has had limited time in the outfield, but can play 2B, SS or 3B, plus serve as something of a mentor to Amed Rosario. Kendrick is a better hitter who has logged much more OF time (184 games) and his natural position of 2B is still considered by many to be wide open (Wilmer Flores notwithstanding). 

Either of these two infielders could probably be enticed on a 1 or 2 year deal. Reyes’ requirements are probably more modest considering he’s already getting paid $4 million for the buyout of his option year by Colorado. Kendrick is coming off a $10 million contract during which he hit .315/9/41 in 315 ABs (about half a season’s worth of production). Arguably Kendick makes more sense because he can be counted on to start in the OF when necessary and if you’re going to jettison Lagares you will be at least one outfielder short. 

Assuming you spend $8 million or so for one of these players you still have a few shekels left to add to other spots on the roster. More likely, of course, the extra money would simply be pocketed. Either way, these types of additions are more likely to warm the cockles of the Wilpons’ hearts than would 3+ year commitments to the Mendoza-line Frazier or the walk-year-wonder Moustakas.