The regular season is done (and so are the Mets & Yanks), so it is officially "Hot Stove" season in New York. This is our daily open thread to discuss the many possibilities in the Mets' first off-season headed by a President Of Baseball Operations (POBO). There are many intriguing story lines and rumors already spinning around in the media, so this is your opportunity to weigh in with your thoughts.
Today's topic: After this year's developments at third base, how should the Mets handle the hot corner in 2024?
Interesting question
ReplyDeleteDepends on whether Mets sign a new outfielder
If they did put McNeil back on second and play Mauricio on third
If not Baty gets another chance followed by Vientos
What about getting Matt Chapman?
ReplyDeleteNAH
Deletetoo many IF.prospecrs graduating in 2025
Outside 2024 money.needs to be spent on pitching
When discussing this with my grandson, developing the batting line-up is a multi-view procedure and not just a position-by-position approach.
ReplyDeleteThe assumption is that six of the positions are mostly set. C = Alverez, 1st = Alonso (extend), 2nd/Left = O'Neill, Short = Lindor, Center = Nimmo, and Right = Marte.
This would leave 3rd, 2nd/Left and DH as the open positions.
With the internal candidates of Baty, Vientos and Maricio, we agreed that we would go with these candidates. Granted, each have their own shortcomings. If they do falter, there is Acuna that may be ready by midyear to be promoted. The best-case scenario is one of Baty or Mauricio can step up.
This would be step one of the process while addressing the other two as we go forward.
Don't be surprised if a Jett lands after the all-star break
DeleteI think that Baty has to work on his swing in the off-season. Too long to patch that hole on sliders breaking in towards him at the knees. Otherwise he will not be the bat we had hoped. Mauricio made a nice argument for himself in the end of the season. He hit very well and the defensive mistakes he made were correctable things given more time in position. If he were to play there McNeil could play second until Acuna is ready. Jett has looked very good at every level so far but will still need some time developing in AA and AAA. He started at short when moved to AA so Acuna could learn 2B. That's another indicator that Mauricio at third is a good option of Baty doesn't improve that swing.
ReplyDeleteJust to go off topic for a moment, I was disappointed to see Pete Alonso signing with Scott Boras; from what I've read, the Mets and Alonso have been pretty far apart in terms, w Alonso wanting much more than what comparable players have accepted. Yes, SC and Boras have been able to make deals, but to quote Han Solo, I've got a bad feeling about this.
ReplyDeleteHey Jon
DeleteAdding Boras to the mix isn't a good sign
John you are absolutely right.
ReplyDeleteNow that Pete has signed with Boras he is a goner. His demands were already ridiculous, now with Boras, you can forget about signing him. He is talking about an Aaron Judge type contract.
Olson (22M) and Freeman (27M) are both better. Nobody is taking into consideration that Alonso is a below average fielder, very slow and hit .217 this year. Can you imagine if you sign him for 10 years and he loses a little bat speed in 5 years? OUCH.
I believe if he doesn't sign early on, they will trade him. I am actually a big Alonso fan, so it kills me to say this.
If lost Vientos could replace him as a 30+ home run guy that should produce a better BA
DeleteIn-house, see which of the 3 Babies blossoms and seizes the job.
ReplyDeleteNimmo had Boras. So it is not impossible to get a deal done with him. I think that Nimmo was well paid, but not overpaid given his performance and his demonstrated passion to continuously improve.
ReplyDeletePete had an "Aha" moment when Buck was let go. He realized that this game is a business, and you have to protect your own interests regardless of emotional attachment to a team, teammates, or leaders. It's all fair.
I believe you are right. Pete is learning or has learned it's a business all the way around. There's no loyalty from owners to players and vice versa. You don't win, we move on. I believe Pete will move on.
DeleteJon and Joe P, Pete 1) wants to win 2) make the HOF, 3) play in a favorable park in a fun city. He has spent enough time in purgatory in Queens. He knows it.
ReplyDeleteAgree. Boras has his players go where the best offer is. So if Colorado offers him 1 more year then us and $40 M more he’s going to Colorado. Nimmo really didn’t resign here because of loyalty he came back her because this is where Boras got him the most $$$. Even though it looks that way. There really is no negotiations with Boras. With Boras top players he lays out the parameters and structure of the deal and the GM agrees or doesn’t. He’s great at playing teams against each other to drive up the price and get the best offer for his players.
DeleteAlso he now should be traded. Boras struck gold and will have the 4 best hitters in the 2025 FA market (Soto, Pete, Bergman, and Altuve). He now controls the hitters market. Boras is drooling as we speak. Since Boras won’t let him sign an extension I think if the Cubs give you 2 of their top 10 prospects you do it. Better than getting 1 player in the 25 draft from the QO signing. Then when he’s a FA in 25 if we make the best offer Pete comes back.
I think you let Baty, Mauricio, and Vientos all get a shot at 3B. I’d like to see all 3 play Winter Leagues at 3B. Get more work in at 3rd. Then best man in Spring Training wins the job. I think Mauricio could end up being our super Utility player. Playing 3rd, backing up McNeil at 2nd, Lindor at SS, and a little in the OF, and DH. Baty and Vientos are limited to only 3B and 1B so I believe they get the upper hand for the job. Between his MLB time in 22 and 23 Baty hasn’t shown his potential with the bat and hasn’t been great with the glove. If he wins the job I still think he’s on a short leash.
ReplyDeleteBack to topic: I think 3rd base is Baty's to lose in the spring. I do not believe they will entertain spending money on a FA at the hot corner. I agree with Mack - money spent this winter will be on the mound.
ReplyDeleteThe other equally plausible option is Mauricio at 3rd and use Baty in a trade for some pitching. I suspect Mauricio will not be the utility guy - either a starter or a really good chip for a trade.
I'll reserve my thoughts about Pete until the first base open thread comes around.
If they trade Pete they better sign Ohtani or trade for Soto. The offense was poor with Pete and and his 115 RBI,imagine what it would be like without him.
ReplyDeleteIf Vientos could hit 30 HRs, where does that come from?
ReplyDeleteIf the Mets sign either Ohtani or Soto, Pete is history.
ReplyDeleteVientos was a HR-per-at-bat machine in AAA. It has yet to translate in the majors. It might in 2024.
ReplyDeleteFirstBuck,then Eppler,whoe next Pete. Not so sure about this Stearns guy.
ReplyDeleteAnd Vientos was a K machine in Triple A.
ReplyDeleteTons of guys fanned more in minors. He fanned just 58 times in 61 AAA games. 71 times in 233 plate appearances is not good, but not bad for a rook.
ReplyDeleteKyle SchwRber fanned meanwhile 215 times. Is he a bum, too? Hit just .197. Oh, yeah, 47 HRs. Trade Vientos to Philly, he’ll hit 47 there.
And keep him in NY,217,12,,32.
ReplyDelete