John From Albany - Cespedes, Cano, Lowrie, and Familia

There are currently four mega-bust contracts on the Mets roster and unless they are moved in a salary dump where other assets are included, no other team is going to take them.  I am talking about Robinson Cano, Jeurys Familia, Jed Lowrie, and Yoenis Cespedes.

In total they represent almost $74 million worth of contracts in 2020 alone!

That’s a lot of money for very little production in return.

Come November, when the World Series finishes, these four players will take up 4 valuable places on the 40-man roster.  Places that could be used to protect potential rule 5 players, get other team’s non-protected rule 5 draft players or sign free agents.

Keeping these players could also mean that other players would need to be placed on waivers when players are added.  Players that could end up being good players later (for example, Hansol Robles or Chasen Bradford).

I am also not suggesting simply releasing the players and eating the money, though that is an option.

I think I have a better idea.

Why not place these players on waivers for the purpose of assigning them to Syracuse?This will take some salesmanship by Brodie but I think it could work.  Otherwise, instead of accepting assignment to the Syracuse roster, the players could opt for free agency and the Mets would be on the hook for the $ anyway without the benefit of a potential rebound.

First, Brodie would need to talk to each of the players.  He would need to tell them that despite their recent performance which does not fit their fine career and the reason why the Mets gave them the contract in the first place (or traded away top prospects for them), the Mets are happy to have them on the team.  

They are counting on them to have big seasons in 2020.

Then he would explain how the Mets plan on once again being aggressive in the upcoming off season.  However, in order to do that, they need to maximize the 40-man roster.  Moving them to the Syracuse roster is only a paper transaction.  They will still be a part of the big-league camp with every intention of coming North with the team at the end of March.

What if someone claims one of these players, you ask?  Given the state of baseball today, not likely.   If it does happen, then great.  You just freed up millions of payroll dollars.

What happens come the end of Spring training?  Well, usually by then, some players are hurt and are put on the Injured List, and some players selected as rule 5 draft picks from other teams don’t make it (see Kyle Dowdy).  That will free up room to put the four mentioned players back on the roster or the Injured List as needed.

What’s your opinion?  Do you think this would work?  Do you think the Mets would be willing to give it a try?