It’s a special honor to fill the open position of General Manager, at least for a day. My goal is to assemble a team that will contend for a World Series title in 2025. My approach is rather simple – start with a pitching staff that ranks among the best in MLB.
PARING THE ROSTER
The first move would be to move on from the pitchers who are not part of the future. Reed Garrett, Adam Ottavino, Jose Quintana, Sean Reid-Foley, Luis Severino and Ryan Stanek are the six pitchers that should have a future elsewhere.
As much as I’d like to see the Mets bring back Pete Alonso, I believe his salary demands exceed his value. If he seeks more than a four-year deal for about $100M, he will likely accept an offer from another team.
Jose Iglesias – another fan favorite who will seek greener pastures elsewhere.
Harrison Bader – no room for him on next year’s roster.
JD Martinez – No place on the team for a one-dimensional player. While he has been somewhat productive this season and a mentor to the younger players, he will be a year older and presumably less productive. I prefer the DH spot be rotated among several players needing a day off. For example, McNeil, Marte and Alvarez.
KEY ADDITIONS
Corbin Burnes – In order to be truly competitive next year, the first order of business is to strengthen the starting staff. Corbin automatically becomes the ace. Also, Scott Manaea should be resigned to a contract not exceeding three years. Imagine a rotation of Burnes, Senga, Scott, Manaea, Peterson and Paul Blackburn bringing up the rear with Brandon Sproat almost ready to step up. This is a group with the potential to go deep in games and relieve the stress on the bullpen.
THE PEN
The bullpen needs to be overhauled. The only players locked in for next year are Diaz, Butto and Nunez. That means at least four players will need to be added. Internal candidates include Tyler Megill, Dom Hamil, Mike Vasil, Danny Young, Huascar Brazoban and Phil Maton. Hopefully Brook Raley will be ready to return. Most likely one or two free agents will be added to the mix.
THE LINEUP
Our wish is to sign Juan Soto to a very long deal. I find it hard to believe the Yankees will let him sign with the Mets. They will probably do whatever is necessary to retain him. Therefore, I am planning for a year with no Alonso or Soto.
• First Base – Mark Vientos. Mark projects to be a solid hitter with the potential to hit more than 40 homers. His best position is probably first.
• Second Base – Ronny Mauricio. Ronny is a legitimate five tool player with a combination of speed and power. Someone who could steal in excess of 50 bases.
• Shortstop – Franciso Lindor. Lindor has established himself to be one of the top players in the game. At the minimum, we expect another 30-30 season.
• Third Base – Brett Baty. – Baty has served his apprenticeship and is ready to fulfill his role as the third baseman of the future. Another guy capable of hitting at least 30 homers with solid defense at third.
• Left Field – a platoon of Tyrone Taylor and Jesse Winker. An area that may need to be upgraded. Drew Gilbert will be an option when he is ready.
• Center Field – Brandon Nimmo. Another guy capable of hitting 20-25 homers with a good OBP. Hopefully, recovers from a mediocre 2024.
• Right Field – Starling Marte. When healthy a productive bat whose spot in the lineup can possibly be challenged by Drew Gilbert.
• Catcher – Franciso Alvarez. The expectation is that he will recover from the “sophomore blues” and become a dynamic player. Another potential 35-40 home run hitter.
• DH – Jeff McNeil. Jeff becomes the super utility player who can play a multitude of positions. Capable of hitting 15-20 homers. This is a rotational spot with Marte, Alvarez and Vientos sharing this role with Jeff.
• Bench – includes Luis Torrens, Taylor or Winker, Luisangel Acuna and a free agent to be signed.
My major concern is lack of depth to fill in for the inevitable injuries sure to occur. Our top prospects are at least a year away from being contributors. It’s going to be an interesting off-season.
Ray
August 27, 2024
4 comments:
You are a best case scenario man, Ray. Mauricio 50 steals? Baty the Bomber? One can only hope.
I like the majority of your ideas but this sounds like a major rebuilt. Without Alonso or Soto, the team will lack hitting especially in the power department. To contend, the team will need proven hitters to replace Alonso and JD Martinez. Although I love the idea, does signing Burnes make sense for a rebuilding team?
Sorry Ray, but have you seen Marte’s numbers against lefties? He is the one to platoon with Winker, if you re-sign him. Nimmo has slipped defensively in CF. McNeil is a slap hitting middle infielder that is showing some drive, no way is he a DH. Maybe put him at corner outfield. Have you seen Baty’s plummeting numbers in AAA? And you’re writing him in as an everyday guy? Also, Inglesias had a hard time getting a MLB deal. I think he stays in NYC for the team and the music opportunities.
You meant Marte against nighies. Baty actually had a decent year in AAA with about a .890 OPS. Iglesias is probably looking for a better contract. Time for Acuna. Also, I have the DH rotating among several players including McNeil. 2025 will not be a rebuilding year but rather a contending year.
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