Edwin
This landed like a thud on top of the Mets dugout. Sure, there was a good chance that he would sign with a new club, but the Dodgers were not in play until just before the decision was made. Phillies, yes, Yankees, of course. But Dodgers? Sounded great on paper, but there just wasn’t much chatter in that direction. And yet, you always wondered why because this was the only weakness on a team that can’t even spell that word.
The other thing… what ever happened to loyalty? I know this is a money world
now, but wouldn’t the team you just played with have a chance to overbid the
top bid out there from other teams? Diaz’ agent was Wasserman, the same one that
negotiated the previous $102mil contract with the Mets after the 2022 season.
There had to be more to this. Diaz not liking being a Met? Desire for a ring?
Weather related? Cultural? We probably will never know, but, as my wife’s Uncle
Hotsy used to say, “dis stinks like fish.”
David
The Diaz deal with the Dodgers isn’t on Stearns. He had his shot and offered a 3-year deal that was less than $5mil off what Diaz signed for with the Dodgers. Obviously, no one was going to step up and offer Edwin more than three years. And… Stearns had his shot here and offered up a $33mil-AAV. I’m sure he expected a call back from Wasserman, but it seems the loyalty flag has been lowered on all the ships that now sail. What Stearns has to do is go put a wash cloth in his sink, turn on the hot water, and put it over his face for around 20 seconds. Then, get back to work.
Pete
So, how much has the Schwarber
deal affected a future Alonso deal? I think a lot. The amount the Phillies paid
Kyle is absurd. He’s 33-years old today. They signed him for $150mil over five
years. This represents the largest guaranteed contract for a player 33-years
old, or older, entering the contract. Ever. Ever, ever. Yeah, I know. He’s now
a designated hitter, but that is exactly where Alonso’s career is . going
someday. I actually think this helps Pete in obtaining a lengthy contract, which
is something David Stearns just won’t do. No, to me, this seals the deal that
Alonso is going somewhere else. My guess, either Boston, or Baltimore. Both
American League teams
Where To Go From Here
The most important thing
here is where you don’t go. Or don’t do. DON’T PANIC. The worst thing that can
happen here is you wind up doing nothing, lose your free agents, lower your
team salary, and retain one of the top chain talent organizations that a good
portion of will graduate before the 2027
season starts. Don’t sign a rotation starter? Fine. Christian Scott has
been spending months simulating innings pitched and should be ready to join the
rotation on OD. Don’t sign a closer? Oh. You already did that. Don’t sign Skubal?
Fine, Sign his next year. Don’t sign Pete? Fine. Play Mark Vientos there until Ryan Clifford pans
out, or revisit this in 2027 with Yandy Diaz, Ryan Mountcastle, Spencer Torkelson,
Triston Casas, etc. You get the idea.
What Stearns does have to
keep doing is keep on point. You’ve targeted positions. You’ve targets players.
Just because one player signs elsewhere doesn’t mean the rest on your hit list
go poof.
And don’t forget the trade
market. There is much more to find here and you have the team-controlled players
to pull off a good deal or two.
Calm down folks.
Plenty of time.
16 comments:
Morning
X was particularly on fire yesterday. Ernest can back me up here
A Mets friend of mine was suspended for his comments about David Stearns. A writer here helped to lead the charge
I don't know how this portion of the Mets fan base can continually blame one man for so much
Someone actually told me yesterday that it was Stearns fault last season when starters he had signed had their bodies break down
How could David prevent someone hitting a ground ball to Pete Alonso who then threw a horrible throw to a covering Kodai Senga
Could this be anticipated prior to Senga's signing?
I said this repeatedly yesterday on X
You can not judge the results of anything medical, investment, or business related until the completion of the process
In other words...
Chill, people
It's ridiculous that people are blaming Stearns for this. He was 1m a year apart and was told there was wiggle room. He was asked to circle back for a final offer. And like a coward he jumps ship without the least bit of courtesy to his former team.
There are reports circulating about why. I have heard he was annoyed at the Williams signing and the Hefner firing...Boo Hoo.
CLASSLESS.
They WILL field a competitive team next year & for years to come.
When Diaz said early in the process it was 50/50 the writing was on the wall. I hope he busts his trumpet
We will never know
You watch
Can't wait for the next WBC dance
When he plays the Mets he better not put anyone on base because it will be a carousel around the base paths.
Agree largely with Mack. Chill. There's lots of time and a plan in place. 1. There are other additions to be made to bullpen for high leverage innings and depth that will be made. U want strength up and down the pen (and backups in minors). That is still the plan. And there are options available. 2. There is still a need for a DH and first base solution to be worked on. Main competition for Pete is Boston, who is actually looking at three people at least: Bregmann, Bichette and Pete. Pete does most power wise, but Bichette is younger and Bregmann is best all around player and person in the locker room. No guarantee there. Let's see what happens. Stearns is not the sort that gets overwhelmed by a loss in free agency. Remember his entire approach with minor leaguers before advancing them to majors rests on waiting to see how they deal with adversity. I imagine that is a personal lesson he holds himself to. Adding Megill or Suarez or Fairbanks and Rogers (i'm sure there are others as well) would give the Mets a far superior bullpen than they have had in the past. Add Scott or Peterson as long relief, spot starter and it is the best in baseball. There is a market for starters and for first baseman and outfielders. Some individuals, some as expanded deals. E.g. Piveta falls in first category, Ryan Buxton and Peralta, Megill latter. King as free agent but loss of draft pick. They will be a better team next year than this past year, but most importantly, they will be better for years to come. Diaz is a loss and it is perfectly appropriate to respond to it accordingly. But the very same issues remain in putting together the team according to the plan, and I expect that they will be dealt with in a sound way.
Well, my favorite players were Nimmo & Alonso... so f*ck me.
I can't image where the FO thinks they are going to get the 200+ RBI those 2 provided.
Diaz...This why the Dodgers are winners and the Mets are LOSERS.
They just blew any chance of catching the Dodgers next season...
another upcoming season shot to hell and they did it all themselves despite
Steve Cohen's wasted millions.
Daily News (they got it right)
"Mets still haven’t shown they can turn ‘enormous advantage’ into success"
Nickel, Stearns has a lot to prove. Weak defense aside, losing 200+ RBIs from Alonso and Nimmo represents a real challenge. but both of those dudes were signed into their unproductive late 30s years.
I always remember how Jose Reyes fell off a cliff as he aged. At 33, he hit around .280, at 34, he hit around .245, and in his last season at age 35, he hit .190. Mid 30s is an unpredictable danger zone.
I also believe that young players bring you juice. Which is why I don't even want to hear the names Arenado, Goldschmit, or Bregman. So why are the Mets in on Schwarber, or Bellinger? I understood about Nimmo and could live with that, but Simeon is fading and they just bought into his 35, 36, & 37 years, which will be a bad joke.
Alonzo, who is in great shape, should be good for 4 more years and they didn't even make him an offer... that's insulting. Fortunately for me, I'm also an Orioles fan, and that's who I'll be watching.
Post a Comment