Reese Kaplan -- As Other Clubs Actively Seek to Improve Rosters...

As the weekend drew to a close the word arrived that the Cincinnati Reds were padding their roster with former teammate Eugenio Suarez for a one-year deal plus option at the exceedingly reasonable rate of $15 million.  If you’re seeking points of comparison note that Sean Manaea earns $25 million per year, Starling Marte just ended a greater-than $20 million per year contract and even outgoing hitter Jeff McNeil was pulling down a tick over that number.

In return for that salary the Reds secured the services of a hitter who clubbed 49 HRs and drove in 118 during the 2025 season.  Accompanying those numbers was a paltry .228 batting average and rather questionable defense at third base.  While the Mets are currently well stocked there with Bo Bichette, Brett Baty, Mark Vientos and Ronny Mauricio, they very much have a vacancy at DH that’s never really been fully addressed since the position evolved into one in the National League. 

Over the weekend another suspect glove and sensational bat, Luis Arraez, signed on to a one-year deal for only $12 million with the San Francisco Giants.  While not exactly a big run producer, there’s no way to dispute his special hit tool which thus far has led to a CAREER batting average of .317,  For him his 2025 was an off-year as he only hit .292 but he has three batting titles on his mantle already for his offensive capability.

So while the Red and Giants reached out to fortify their rosters for an aggregate total of $27 million for only one year of obligation in each case, the Mets went out and for their left field and DH vacancies they have done...ummm...nada.

Trades are still possible, particularly when injuries occur during Spring Training which could elevate the attractiveness of prospective Mets pieces over teams might covet, but the free agent talent pool has shrunk down to a precious few.  Marcell Ozuna at one time was a lethal bat and he’s still out there.  At his age he likely wouldn’t command more than a one year plus option kind of deal but his 21 HRs for the Braves last season were a huge dropoff from him.

There are a few borderline players who might not cost a fortune such as formerly bad fielder Miguel Andujar who has transitioned from bad infielder to competent outfielder.  A career .282 hitter, he’s not going to break the bank, probably in the $3 million range for a bridge to Carson Benge.  Unfortunately he’s right handed also and at this point the Mets need to reinforce left handed hitting unless you seriously believe Brett Baty is the second coming of a professional outfielder.

First baseman Nathaniel Lowe isn’t going to replicate Pete Alonso offensive numbers, but the young veteran is good for 21 HRs and 80 RBIs per year while owning a Gold Glove for his play at first base.  This type of move for a lefty hitter would provide insurance should Jorge Polanco’s unexpected conversion to that position not work out as expected.  His last salary was $10.5 million and likely it would cost less given it’s now February and he doesn’t have a job.

Other than that it’s a bunch of retreads who are likely to get minor league deals with invitations to major league camps, including ex Mets Michael Conforto, Jesse Winker, Mark Canha, Travis Jankowski, Starling Marte and Tommy Pham.  None seem to be perfect fits here either. 

While this story runs it will be Wednesday, February 4th, exactly one week before pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training. Tick, tick, tick...