The winter meetings have begun, and the whole MLB world is buzzing with trade rumors. Teams' weaknesses are well known, the free agency pool is known, but the behind-the-scenes dealings between GMs, players, and their agents are the unknown.
Of course, the Mets factor prominently in the rumors, as they have two highly coveted free agents (Alonso and Diaz) and also some very pressing needs after last year's failure to hold a playoff berth that was theirs for most of the season.
What makes this off-season most intriguing to me is that the 2025 team was really good on paper but lacked an intangible quality to put it all together. That is a tough problem to solve because it is a hard problem to define. One thing is for sure - David Stearns has made it clear that he is not going to "run it back" with the same group. That means change, and there is a ripple effect to any changes. Players' roles change, lineup options change, late inning solutions change. The whole puzzle has to be put together again starting in spring training.
I think that the Mets have better options than most clubs that find themselves in this situation. Their talent pipeline is deep, and their financial strength allows them to find some solutions that many teams cannot. That said, there is no guarantee that the pieces will fit together any better than they did last year. The "fit" will have to be facilitated by good management, and the Mets have replaced almost an entire coaching staff.
Time will tell if they have made the right choices. For now, Mets fans will be closely watching the developments and hoping that the new direction is a winning one.
Slow start but it's always this way. Some execs still unpacking
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for that whale Borass to do his nauseous press gaggle
Scott Boras has a net worth of $450MM. I expected much more.
DeleteThree years on Diaz, four on Alonso, only cause I like him. If Alonso really would rather play in Pittsburgh for five years, I understand. The people there are great too.
ReplyDeleteLived in the Burg for two years
DeleteBest people in the country
I actually predicted in October that McNeil would be traded to Pittsburgh and Alonso would sign there. I felt that Alonso had expectations and if the Mets didn’t match them, he wouldn’t wait around any more. But, seeing that the offers are all for lower years, it makes sense to bring him back. Three years and a club option would be ideal. Four years is palpable. Now, how much per year?
ReplyDeletei'd do 30 mil a year
ReplyDeleteSchwarber and Alonso have two different agents
DeleteBoth want the other to sign first
Tick. Tick.
Ironically, Schwarber used to be a Boras client.
DeleteMack, I see BORASS is catching on.
ReplyDeleteAlanso, 4 yrs/120m max. Would prefer 3 with an option.
Diaz: 3 years or sign Fairbanks
Alonso would be a God in Pittsburg; the city would love him....the big knucklehead.
ReplyDeleteI know that Pittsburgh is being more aggressive this year, but I really don't think they can stomach the kind of contract that Alonso and Boras are looking for. Even Steve Cohen expressed frustration at the contract terms they were looking for - called them "highly disadvantageous to the team". If that doesn't change, expect this year to look much like last year for Pete - no deal until very late when he has to back down from some of the demands.
ReplyDeleteThe Mets will be a competitive team next year with or without Alonso.
ReplyDelete