The MLB deadline for teams and players to exercise contractual options has now passed, and there is a substantial list of names because contracts now are frequently negotiated with options to use flexibility as an enticement.
With the CBA expiration date of December 1st looming, the decision to exercise or decline an option becomes more complicated.
Will things like salary caps and floors change the dynamics of the free agent market? Of course! So if you are a free agent and the rules change, you head into uncertainty. This did not necessarily sway the bulk of the decisions though, as there were more declined options (21) than exercised options (17).
There also was one unique option, which was a vesting option that goes into effect if the player meets certain performance criteria. This was accomplished by Yandy Diaz of the Rays who earned his $13M salary for next year by achieving 500 at-bats and ending the year healthy. Personally I like this type of option because it incentivizes performance and health maintenance. Take note, David Stearns!
The following list of players and options gives more insight into the names that have just entered the free agent market and those that have shut the door.
Many starting pitchers are on the list, which may be intriguing to a Mets front office that needs to add in that category. Unfortunately, Sandy Alacantra, Corbin Burnes, and Drew Anderson were opt-ins so they are not available as FAs. Michael King, Sonny Gray, Lucas Giolito, Dustin May, Nick Pivetta, Nick Martinez, and old friend Griffin Canning were opted out and are now available.
Other interesting names included on the list were the expected team option declines on former Mets Ryne Stanek, Luis Robert Jr., Gary Sanchez, and Canning. Eugenio Suarez had his $16M option declined by the Reds, which would have been interesting news had Bo Bichette not passed on his opt-out.
Of the 21 names that did not have their options exercised and have returned to the greater free agent market, there are not many other than King and Gray that look like big plays for the Mets’ needs.
Stearns may see others as potential depth pieces, but with the current crop of almost-ready minor league players in the system at middle infield and outfield positions, the only need for “depth” would be at first base or a relief pitcher.
Keep your eye on the market, as the dominoes will begin to fall as soon as the top of the market (Skubal) makes a decision.
9 comments:
The player whirlwind season is upon us. An unusual offseason will soon unfold.
I do not, just to go on the record, want Luis Robert back. He is about as durable as a 1968 Chevy Vega.
A Vega is a Volvo compared to Robert
King is my backup plan to Skubal
King is my back-up as well, but I have others thereafter that would involve trades in Alcantra and Logan Gilbert. Remember Mets need two starters to move the needle significantly. The second needs to be (preferably) an innings eater or someone who can pitch in a 4th game of a playoff. preferably both: my favs there are Gausman, Mahle, May among others. Shorter contract for that pitcher as well.
My absolutely number 1 favorite interesting play is Morejon. Get him on board if possible and then figure out where he fits. He is a former starter who has the stuff to be a starter again as he has matured but would need to be stretched out. He's young and could also become the closer, which he would have been on the Padres had they not had the premier closer in the league.
I have a post due out on the 24th which shows how little the Mets would really have to spend (other than paying out to cut ties with Polanco and Semien) to
have a roster of position players far superior to where they are now. And that means money can be spent wisely on pitching, with properly structured contracts, something I talk about in my post next week. Imagination is the key in structuring deals. You'll note the Mets have not been very imaginative in the big money deals they've offered so far. I show how they can change that using Skubal as a prime example.
The dream scenario for me is adding Skubal and Gausman (who could only command a 1 year plus option deal) to the starting rotation; and Morejon to the bullpen or starting rotation -- bullpen as closer if the Mets land Skubal. second starter perhaps is they land anyone else and miss on Skubal
Why not Skubal and Morejon, instead?
There is a great amount of sentiment that the Mets should go all-in and get Skubal. Who can argue, as he is at the top of the heap right now. However, the flip side is that he is also the costliest piece, and is one injury away from setting the Mets back to square one again. Remember when they were paying big bucks to Verlander and Scherzer? Remember when deGrom spent all that time on the IL? It takes more than a superstar to win it all. Two pieces (e.g. King and Morejon) at the price of one Skubal may get us closer, and if a supplementary trade gets another big arm it becomes a force multiplier.
Worth strongly considering
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