The hot stove season is upon us again, and while the free agent signing period is a week old already, there have been few signings of substance. This is the time of the year when there is a lot of buzz about what might happen and what should happen, but very little news about what did happen because the players, agents, and front office personnel are busy trying to attract and negotiate the best deal. Time is their friend right now.
So rather than listen to us pontificate about our views on what should happen, let's take a couple days this week to hear from the readers.
Monday's topic: The Outfield
The Mets were blessed in 2024 with a very solid outfield. Defensively, they played what amounted to three center fielders (Nimmo, Bader, Taylor) in the outfield in the late innings during their stretch run. This provided maximum defensive coverage and probably saved a bunch of late inning runs. They were also blessed with Starling Marte and Jesse Winker who did a little better with the bat than the glove, but rounded out one of the best five-player outfields a team could muster.
Now that we head into 2025, what would you like to see in the Mets' outfield?
22 comments:
Taylor just had surgery to fix a right elbow chip situation and a hernia repair. Supposed to be 100% start of spring training. So, I want him, Nimmo, Winker, and Marte if he does not go in a salary-saving deal. McNeil ditto. Acuna as a back up, eventually Gilbert ditto.
Of course, Stearns could radically restructure the roster, and any or all of Baty, Jett, Gilbert, Acuna, Benge, and Morabito could be traded. It will be perhaps the most mind-boggling Mets roster-reforming off season ever.
Whatever it takes to get us to 3-4 WS and a few WS wins over the next 10 years.
I do want to retain the services, and fire, of Jesse Winker.
Hard "NO" on Bader. He has turned into Albert Amora Jr the 2nd.
Of course, I remain in the Soto camp for the outfield. If he comes to the Mets, Soto, Nimmo, Taylor, Winker, and Acuna works for me.
Am I a reader? I do read here.
I want to start building a weak outfield with Anthony Santander in right
I would make Marte my 2025 DH
I guess I could put Nimmo back in center until one of the kiddies earn this role
And I would put McNeil in left
To clarify, I want to begin to make a weak outfield stronger
I believe McNeil’s value is at second base. He isn’t offensive enough to be a corner outfielder. Nimmo’s place is LF, and Taylor is a fourth outfielder or a CF on a strong corner unit. I don’t know how much value Marte has in a trade, but I have heard rumors of trading for Luis Castillo and I am hesitant. Yes, he is a good pitcher but not great, and if I could get him for McNeil alone, I could live with that.
But, if Soto goes to the Bronx, in the short term the Mets have to find a decent outfielder so either give Baty a chance there with Marte and add a CF option, or see what’s available in a trade.
I was typing as you posted your comment, so we overlapped but I just don’t know if Santander is for real or a product of the small parks in AL East.
Oh Boy...I think I am going to be the doom sayer here.
I mainly agree with Gus. Taylor is an excellent 4th OF. He is not an everyday player. I want no part of Santender...definitely a product of a short porch in Baltimore. 240 hitter/300 OBP...no thanks.
I happen to like Nimmo but he is a horrible OF. Did you see how many times he took the wrong route in LF. Forget CF. Unfortunately, I do not have a solid option in CF. Stearns will have to earn his money and find a stop gap in CF until Williams/Gilbert are ready...hopefully in 2026.
There is talk of the White Sox CF in a Crochet trade. I also like Winkler but he really is a DH/5th OF. At a minimum they need a lefty bat to platoon with Taylor. McNeil will split time at 2B/OF.
JoeP making good points. But why is the gem in the rough, Michael Conforto, not being considered :)
I threw Conforto's name in facetiously, but perhaps I should note he played in the hell hole park for lefties in SF. It is the Cyclones Park equivalent nightmare for lefty hitters.
At home in 2024, .216/.292/.341 - terrible.
But on the road? .253/.323/.530 - very decent.
Santander may have played in a friendly Baltimore park, but he hit MUCH better road than home in 2024. You can look it up.
Tom, I have no problem with Conforto but:
1. The most important factor is, he didn’t want to come back to the Mets and pretty much said so.
2. He can’t play CF and that’s the hole in the outfield,
Everyone is going to have to wait another season for a Mets centerfielder to come forward
All we really need is a 1 year stop gap in CF. We can mix and match the rest of the pieces in the OF. Stearns should do what he did with Bader. Overpay someone for 1 season, we have reinforcements coming in 2026. Williams/Gilbert/Acuna.
For this season we already have Nimmo, Marte, Taylor, McNeil...we just need someone to platoon with Taylor. As much as I don't like Nimmo in CF he can be serviceable for a few games in CF. Just find this year's Bader (hopefully a better hitter)
I confess to knowing absolutely nothing about Santander outside of his counting stats. But, he appears to be a #5 or #6 hitter type based on his low OBP. The jackpot would be dealing for Crochet and getting Sasaki. Now, the Mets can sign Soto and get under the cap. If Soto isn’t coming, I go short term for an offensive signing and wait for Tucker next year. Also, keep an eye on Edwin Diaz’s opt out after next year. Will he fix his issues with baserunners? Can he focus a whole year?
Good discussion - keep it going.
I also think Benge will be fast tracked
The Mets seem to be committed to veteran free agents and trades
Like Crochet
Look for 4 prospects to exit if they can work out a deal for him
Add Lois Robert Jr. to the Crochet trade if possible. Former Gold Glove CF. If he doesn't return to prior 2024 stats the Mets can get out of contract after 2025 season with a 2M buyout
What would a trade for Cedric Mullins look like? He is a true centerfielder who had a down year with the bat the last couple years, but just turned 30 (will play age 30 in 2025) and he can steal you a bag (or 30). He could be a good 'change of scenery' candidate if the prospect cost is not prohibitive.
Mullins would be the type of player I suggested. Left handed bat. Could platoon in CF if needed. As long as the price is reasonable
Mullins will be making 8.4M next year. Not sure how many years left on contract. I wouldn't pay too much as he wasn't that good last year. Worth a shot. Say Prada and Ramirez max.
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