SAVAGE VIEWS

FINAL THOUGHTS PROJECTED 2021 METS LINEUP

With new ownership ready to take over within the next couple of weeks, this is the time to make significant changes.  The top priorities are finding someone who can play center field and adding at least two starting pitchers.  The third priority is upgrading the bullpen.  I would add third base as an area of obvious need.

CENTER FIELD -The sexy move would be to sign George Springer.  While I would not object to adding Springer, I don’t believe he is the long-term answer.  He would be expensive and cost a draft pick.  Not only that but his ability to remain in CF may diminish after a couple of years.

A better choice could be Jackie Bradley or KevinPillar.  Either one is a potential gold glover with an OK bat.  This is a case of choosing defense over offense – we already have a strong offensive lineup.

STARTING PITCHING – a strong argument can be made to bring TrevorBauer on board.  I’m not fond of the idea of renting him for a year and surrendering a draft pick.   A better choice is to sign Marcus Stroman to a long-term deal.  Even if he only accepts a QO, he would bolster the rotation.  With deGrom, Peterson and hopefully Syndergaard back sooner rather than later, we have the makings of a strong rotation.  The fifth starter may be found internally with Matz, Szapucki or externally through trades.

THIRD BASE – other than CF this is the one position that requires a major upgrade.  Last year we were vulnerable to left hand pitching. Adding a powerful RH bat would balance the lineup.  Let’s consider the options.

·        DJ LeMahieu.  If Cohen wants to make a statement, what better way than stealing this guy from the Yankees?  Adding him to an already strong Mets lineup would strengthen the right hand hitting and place a MVP caliber player on the roster.

·        Justin Turner – Assuming he is a FA without compensation, he also would add a powerful RH bat to the lineup.  Bring back the prodigal son.

·        Jeff McNeil –although I prefer McNeil in LF, he could wind up at third if Nimmo is retained. 

·        A Trade.  Have no idea if any of the top third basemen are available via trade. Devers in Boston, Rizzo in Chicago, Rendon in LA, etc.  The Mets certainly have chips to acquire a significant upgrade.  No place for JD Davis on my team.

CATCHER – Signing Realmuto is another move that would improve the team at least for the short-term.  However, he would be an expensive addition and cost a draft pick.  Also, there’s concern as to whether he would remain behind the plate for the long haul.  I would not be terribly upset if we pass on Realmuto and rely on the tandem of Nido/Chirinos.

Bringing on a new CF and a third baseman would result in players like Nimmo and Davis being excess.  Also, if the DH is not retained for 2021, either Smith or Alonso becomes surplus.

Therefore, Nimmo, Davis, Smith and either Gimenez or Rosario can be used to reinforce the rotation and bullpen. 

Numerous Met fans advocate trading for Francisco Lindor.  I’m not one of them.  Acquiring him as a one-year rental would require depleting the farm system of top prospects.   Let’s pass on this one.

I’m confident that the new management team will make the right decisions to field a competitive team in 2021.