The Mets will discuss extensions with their top players this coming offseason, when significant changes are expected up and down the roster.
Guaranteed Contracts
- Johan Santana, SP: $31MM through 2013
- Jonathon Niese, SP: $24.5MM through 2016
- Jason Bay, OF: $21.125MM through 2013
- Frank Francisco, RP: $6.5MM through 2013
Arbitration Eligible Players (estimated salaries)
- Mike Pelfrey, SP: third time eligible, non-tender candidate
- Andres Torres, CF: third time eligible, non-tender candidate
- Manny Acosta, RP: second time eligible, non-tender candidate
- Fred Lewis, LF: second time eligible, non-tender candidate
- Rob Johnson, C: first time eligible, non-tender candidate
- Daniel Murphy, IF: first time eligible
- Ike Davis, 1B: first time eligible
- Bobby Parnell: first time eligible
- Josh Thole, C: first time eligible
Contract Options
- David Wright, 3B: $16MM club option with a $1MM buyout (pictured)
- R.A. Dickey, SP: $5MM club option with a $300K buyout
Free Agents
The Mets have an assortment of needs heading into the 2012-13 offseason and, according to most reports, they won't be shy about addressing them. While GM Sandy Alderson is expected to turn over a considerable portion of the team's roster this offseason with non-tenders and trades, it doesn't sound as though the Mets plan on spending on the winter's top free agents.
The team could spend big, but if it does David Wright and R.A. Dickey figure to be the beneficiaries. Wright, 29, has considerable leverage coming off of a season that will place him on many an NL MVP ballot. He has said he'd like his next contract to last until he retires, and the Mets haven't ruled the possibility out. Wright appears to be in line for a long-term deal worth $20MM-plus per season.
There are fewer precedents for Dickey's contract negotiations. Not only is he coming off a Cy Young caliber season, he's a knuckleballer who didn't establish himself as an MLB starter until he was 35. It's unclear how long the Mets expect Dickey to keep pitching at this level, but there's no way he'll be earning $5MM per season anymore if the Mets extend him. Dickey's annual salary could triple on a new contract, and some Mets executives seem wary of making a sizable commitment to the knuckleballer, who turns 38 this month.
It'll take considerable resources to lock Wright and Dickey up to long-term contracts, but it doesn't sound as though the Mets intend to spend aggressively beyond those potential contracts. Their payroll will probably sit in the $90MM range again, and with nearly half of that going to two players — Johan Santana and Jason Bay — the timing doesn't seem right for major free agent expenditures.
There's a good chance the Mets will create some payroll flexibility by non-tendering some prominent arbitration eligible players. Mike Pelfrey will surely be cut loose following a season in which he earned nearly $6MM on the disabled list. Andres Torres is also expected to hit the free agent market, and Manny Acosta, Fred Lewis and Rob Johnson could follow.
The team's class of arbitration eligible players also includes Ike Davis, whose name has surfaced as a possible trade candidate. According to a number of reports, the Mets will consider trading Davis or Lucas Duda under the right circumstances. Davis placed fifth in the NL with 32 home runs this year and is under long-term control, so the team's asking price would be high.
Still, the Mets have many areas to address this offseason, so it'd be imprudent not to consider trades. The team needs offense, after placing 25th in MLB in runs scored this past season. Clear needs exist behind the plate and in the outfield.
The Mets are expected to pursue potential upgrades at catcher this offseason, when Kelly Shoppach will hit free agency. Though there's typically a shortage of available catchers, the upcoming class of free agents offers some decent options at the position.
The free agent class is also flush with outfielders, but the Mets aren't expected to bid aggressively on the top options available. Instead, they can pursue trades for players such as Denard Span, Justin Upton and Shin-Soo Choo or seek late-winter bargains in free agency. Opposing teams figure to ask Alderson about affordable, young starting pitchers such as Jonathon Niese in trade talks.
If the Mets are uncomfortable offering multiyear deals to free agent outfielders, Scott Hairston may have played his last game with the team. The 32-year-old hit 20 homers this year and continued hitting left-handers (.286/.317/.550 batting line vs. LHP) so he should generate multiyear interest elsewhere. The Mets wouldn't get compensation for Hairston or any of their other free agents, as they aren't valued as $13MM players and won't get the requisite qualifying offers.
The Mets spent a considerable portion of last offseason's budget on Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch, and are expected to seek veteran relief help again this offseason. This time, they're expected to let Rauch and Ramon Ramirez leave as free agents while pursuing outside options. Still, improving the bullpen is a must for a team that ranked 29th in MLB in reliever ERA (4.65), 25th in reliever strikeout rate (7.7 K/9) and 27th in reliever walk rate (4.0 BB/9). Upgrades will come from within if players such as Josh Edgin and Robert Carson continue to develop in 2013, and the presence of these young relievers could lessen the pressure on Alderson to find short-term solutions.
The team's rotation seems set, with a promising combination of certainty and upside in place. Though it's generally preferable to add a starter or two on a minor league deal, such pitchers may look at the Mets' projected rotation and pursue opportunities in places with less competition.
The Mets have enough pieces in place that Alderson can focus on problem areas this offseason. But they have too many shortcomings to contend without making changes. Expect a busy offseason in Queens.
Photo courtesy of US Presswire.
vtadave
Tons of money coming off the books after this year, so I would think the Mets would stand pat other than extending Wright and Dickey. They obviously shouldn’t deal Wheeler or Harvey, and I don’t think they have what the Dbacks would want (MI’s) for Upton.
Hector Cortes
Well the Mets actually do have quite a few MI in the minors and one MLB Ready one in Valdespin (or Murphy) but its really what the D-Backs would want in general in regards to a package.
Let_My_Cameron_Go
I can’t imagine Valdespin has much value. Murphy is a supplement player in a trade if you are looking to get a big time player in return. If I were in the position to trade players I think I would listen on Tejada. His stock is very high, and I think Flores may have a shot in the majors. It’s tough because Tejada can be a solid shortstop for years to come, and Flores is not a guarantee despite the solid year he had…
Hector Cortes
Yea I like Tejada a lot for a 22 year old he showed extremely good promise with the glove and bat this year i’d hate to lose that… Valdespin didn’t play the whole year at all in the majors but the parts he did he showed a good bat and has the power needed to play in the majors its really what position he’s best suited to play at really.
SeanE
There is a lot to like and not like about Murphy.The good thing about Murph is he is a team player he is one to hit in the clutch and he will hit for a high average and have a high obp.The thing to dislike though is that his defensive game is terrible he will “zone out” a lot and not focus on the game itself which is a major issue.Would I trade him? yes
Loody
The D-Backs would not get Wheeler or Harvey from the Mets. However I do think that Jon Niese would be of interest to them and I do think that Niese is a very nice starting point in potential trade negotiations with Arizona.
Hector Cortes
Niese is a tough one to trade because he’s good young starter which the Mets honestly need to hold on too. Wilmer Flores could also be someone that interest them which I wouldn’t be opposed to trading because if we resign Wright then he could technically be an asset in a trade because 3B will be blocked for him in the majors (MiLB player of the year for the Mets).
SeanE
The Mets may be able to deal for Upton.I have this feeling they may demand Niese in it because of his potential and I would be questionable on dealing him even if he was the centerpoint of the trade.However I would not mind dealing Familla/Mejia and I may be on the train to deal Fulmer and Tapia however that is a bit questionable too.But with the amount of pitching depth the Mets have now I would be more on the dealing side rather than the hesitant side.
vtadave
Can’t imagine the Dbacks dealing for pitching given that is their strength with Kennedy, Miley, Bauer, Corbin, Skaggs, Cahill, and Hudson (midseason). I think they are more interested in improving an awful left side of the infield.
Hector Cortes
Lots of changes needed that’s for sure…. again Catcher , OF , and Bullpen should be the focus areas this offseason.
SeanE
a RH bat in the lineup wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
METSFAN6
The only free agents I see the Mets resigning are Scott Hairston and Kelly Shoppach.
User 4245925809
I also would like to see the Mets (or anyone) sign Shoppach and let him at least start 75 games or more and imagine the Mets pitching staff appreciate someone behind the plate who is top notch with blocking skills and a gun for a throwing arm as well.
Hector Cortes
I like both as backups they showed that they are good players and i’d resign them. But even with those resigning the Mets still need to fill holes (Starting Catcher , Starting OF , and Bullpen).
Michael D. Sigl
starting catcher… Josh Thole done, next problem? Outfield? get Denard Span, he is young and is fast enough to cover Citi’s large center field.
Hector Cortes
Keep Shoppach and trade for another young catcher Thole is honestly done in my book he’s had 2 years to prove his worth and hasn’t shown anything other than being able to catch Dickey when he pitches we need some production out of the position already….
Bo Beck
The Mets have 3 trade chips, Murphy, Neise and Valdespin. I myself would add Familia and Mejia in there. You don’t touch Davis you let him readjust unless you throw him in a deal for Trumbo. I’d try to get a package of Kipnis and Choo from the Indians. You would add more pop in this trade and not have to give up a great deal.
Hector Cortes
Unless they sign another starter I couldn’t see them parting with Neise to be honest he’s on a very friendly team contract and is good #3 on any staff which the Mets honestly need. Unless they sign like an Edwin Jackson or trade for another young pitcher I don’t see it happening at all. I would love to get a Choo though for the lineup because he’s exactly what the lineup needs a steady OF power bat with good defense in the OF.
SeanE
I would be hesitant to deal Niese he had a breakout season this year grant it if it we were discussing Justin Upton I would maybe bite on that deal but that is a maybe.I think with a improved lineup Niese can rank up 12-15 wins.I feel like he is slow bloomer.
gambalore
If the Mets trade Niese, it has to be for a young player with several years of team control. Choo would be a great fit on the Mets (as he would on nearly any team) but trading a great contract like Niese for a 1-year guy doesn’t make any sense.
METSFAN6
Mets 25 Man Roster come the 2013 season
Catcher
Kelly Shoppach
Josh Thole
Infield
Ike Davis
Daniel Murphy
Ruben Tejada
David Wright
Outfield
Jason Bay
Kirk Nieuwenhius
Scott Hairston
Bench
Mike Baxter
Justin Turner
Greg Dobbs
Reed Johnson
Starting Rotation
Johan Santana
RA Dickey
Jon Niese
Matt Harvey
Dillon Gee
Bullpen
Frank Francisico
Bobby Parnell
Mike Adams
Luke Gregerson
Elvin Ramirez
Josh Edgin
Robert Carson
Free Agents Signs
Kelly Shoppach 1 year 1.5 Million
Scott Hairston 2 year 5.5 Million
Reed Johnson 1 year 1.5 Million
Mike Adams 2 year 9 Million with option
TradesLucas Duda and Zach Lutz for Luke GregersonJordany Valdespin for Greg DobbsLet me know what you think!
Francesco
Your 2 trades are horrible
METSFAN6
Dobbs has shown he is a great left handed hitter of the bench and can play for a short period of time if needed. His defense is questionable. But come September, the Mets will most likely not be in contention and so they could trade Dobbs away since he is a free agent after the 2013 season and get a decent return on him. Also, Valdespin’s attitude has not been the best.
tdw815
I agree with most of the roster but I would trade Bay and Niese and Parnell to Boston for Elsberry or to the D-backs for Upton
METSFAN6
The only way I see either of those trades happening is if the Mets were to take on the majority of the salary due to Bay which would not help the Mets out, plus Niese has shown he is for real and is under contract for awhile under a team friendly contract.
slider32
The team gets you last place, if the Marlins do anything!
SeanE
absolutley not on the Greg Dobbs trade.I would however question Towers on a potential Upton trade.I think Upton would do well here and maybe it is just a change of scenery that could make him burst him out to be the true player he can really be.
Tejada
Murphy
Wright
Davis
Upton
Bay
Shoppach
Pagan/Kirk
Pitcher
I like that,only problem is Upton could be moderatley expensive.A package around Fulmer could be a good start I would not be hesitant to include Duda,Valdespin,and even Kirk if Necessary.I think a package could be
Valdespin
Fulmer
Duda
Kirk
Tapia
Maybe? or it maybe too little or too expensive.But according too Towers at least at the deadline some of the players if not all have to be major leauge ready and productive.
Team Control+productive I can buy into this.
METSFAN6
This would be way to much for the Mets to give up on a player like Justin Upton. I understand that he is a great all around player and if the Mets were in the right position to make a deal for him they most certainly would. I would be fine with a deal that would include Duda, Valdespin, Den Dekker, and Mejia. In addition, Angel Pagan is going to demand a decent contract maybe a 2 or 3 year deal for at least 6 million a year. The Mets might be better of going for Sizemore.
Adam Romatowski
No way Flores is a shortstop, he does not have the range. Tejada is untouchable.
Hector Cortes
Yea I think Flores could be the odd man out especially if Wright gets resigned.
SeanE
Flores is trade bait if Wright gets resigned.
Francesco
Trade for Ben Revere (they need pitching)
Trade for JP Arencibia and Colby Rasmus (Package around Duda)
Lineup: Rivera Tejada Murphy Wright Davis Hairston Rasmus Arencibia
Sniderlover
The Jays would want Duda because…?
SeanE
I’m asking the same question the Jays are loaded with OF they would have no interest in Duda.
SeanE
Maybe starting pitching. Niese package for possibly Travis D’Arnaud what would you want?
gambalore
Duda’s no OF. He has the potential to be a decent, young, cost-controlled DH but putting him anywhere, even 1B, is a losing deal.
burnboll
Johan Santana’s contract is up there with Ryan Howards and Arods. Difference is that he’s still a good player though. I’d say he’s worth around a 15-16 mil contract. So he’s only overpaid by 15 or so mil.
Arod is IMO worth around 7 mil, which makes him overpaid by around 21 mil.
Ryan Howard is worth about 4-5 mil, making him overpaid around 20 mil.
HobokenMetsFan
The biggest difference is that Johan’s contract ends after next season, while those two guys have multiple years left.
burnboll
Yeah, that too. I’m sure Mets could unload some of his contract to a playoff contender after the All star break, just limit his innings somewhat in the early going, then trade him for a mid level prospect. He could bounce back even more, I think he could be a #1 on many teams.
chicothekid
Oh I think the Mets have what it takes to get Upton out of Arizona with Niese or Tejada being the centerpiece of the deal. I’m just not sure WHY the Mets would want to do that. There’s gotta be something better out there for Niese than THAT? Upton had one great season and everyone thinks he’s Ty Cobb now. Taking a look at his numbers, he’s closer to his brother. If I’m paying top dollar for THAT, no thanks.
Francesco
Dickey and Tejada could get Upton and maybe try and get Cahill give them some minor leaguers.. and trade for yunel escobar try and get arencibia too and trade for ben revere twins
zack 4
If im sandy alderson im making sure i get my leadoff hitter and really good fielder in center, my power in right and stability and good defense with at least average offense behind the plate. Im not saying this will all happen but i would look at a jenrry mejia for ben revere swap, jon niese jordanny valdespin kirk nieuwenhuis for justin upton or familia and kirk swap for choo, and lastly maybe try to sign pierzynski to a 2 year deal to add some offense and stability behind the plate. any of these moves will help
Michael D. Sigl
I like Thole’s improvement and i would rather spend less and get Span, he is productive and fast, if we could get Upton too that would be amazing but i really do not think we should be getting rid of a good lefty like Jon Niese. And Pierzynski is old he is bound to break down soon and i think it should be in Chicago where at least they respect him enought to still appreciate what he gave them before the breakdown. And Kirk would make a great left fielder if we can not get Span
John Sasso
Resign
Wright 6 yr- 114 Mil extension w/2 mutual option years
Davis 4 yr – 30 Mil
Cedeno 2 yr – 2.8 Mil
Go to Arb
Murphy
Thole
Trade:
R.A. Dickey for Alex Gordon & Yordano Ventura
Parnell, Flores, Valdespin, & Montero for Justin Upton, Matt Albers, & Willy Paredes
Duda + ? for Wade Davis
Famila or Mejia & Lutz for Revere
Sign:
A.J. Pierzynski – 2 yr – 9 Mil
Grady Sizemore – 1 yr 1 Mil + PA/GP incentives total potential 5 Mil
Kevin Corriea 1 yr -similar to C Young this year
Matt Linstrom – 2yr/ 2.6 Mil
Affeldt or JP Howell
Minor league contracts/ST invites
Evan Meek
Mike Gonzalez
Randy Wells
Travis Buck
Blake Dewitt
Mike Pelfrey
Hire Stan Boroski as Pitching coach
Connor O'Brien
no need to sign Davis.
John Sasso
No need but it would be prudent to eliminate his arb years
Michael D. Sigl
the guy is young and hit 32 homeruns, I want him back on the team and continuing to develope