During Steve Cohen’s introductory press conference with the Mets, team president Sandy Alderson took questions from reporters and said a number of interesting things about the direction of the Mets.
The Mets finished in 4th place in three of the last four years, and they haven’t made the playoffs since 2016 when they lost a one-game playoff. The Mets made some win-now moves in recent years that raised expectations, but they’ve been unable to get over the hump. That said, Alderson likes the way the team has drafted, and he sees some pieces to build around, saying, “From an offensive standpoint, there are definitely some first-division championship pieces.” Speculatively speaking, masher Pete Alonso falls into this category, despite a down sophomore season in 2020. Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, Michael Conforto, Robinson Cano, and Dominic Smith put up strong seasons in 2020 as well. Smith, in particular, will be interesting to follow, because if there isn’t a DH in 2021, he may be out of a starting job.
On the pitching said, Alderson said, “Jacob deGrom is by definition an ace. He’s the definition of of Cy Young, if you will.” deGrom has been the face of the Mets for the past four seasons or so, over which time he won consecutive Cy Young awards, and he’s up for a third in a row this year.
He needs help in the rotation, however, especially with Noah Syndergaard on the mend and Marcus Stroman a free agent. On WFAN later in the day, Alderson fanned some rumor flames by speaking positively about free agent Trevor Bauer: “I actually think Bauer would be a great personality in New York. The kind of guy that fans would endorse. We’re in the entertainment business,” per New York baseball columnist John Harper (via Twitter). While Bauer would certainly fill a need in the organization, Alderson doesn’t go so far as to say he is a person of interest.
But there’s no denying the Mets as a fourth place team. Thus, Alderson covered some of their needs moving into the offseason, saying, “…There are things that we don’t do well. we need to shore up some positions. Our pitching staff is thin. Our depth at Double-A and Triple-A is thin or thinner. The bullpen has been inconsistent. We have needs behind the plate.”
In terms of specific players, he mentioned Brad Hand as someone they would have been interested in claiming on waivers if the timing had been different, per Tim Britton of the Athletic (via Twitter). He noted that the one-year, $10MM deal for Hand might be an overpay, but that sometimes the acquisition is more important than the cost itself, which speaks to his philosophy of roster-building.
Alderson even took some “credit” for the team defense, which he spoke of as an area that needs improvement. During Anderson’s run as GM from 2010 to 2018, an emphasis was put on offense. Moving forward, however, Alderson recognizes the need to address the other side of the ball. Speculatively, that could mean being open to moving one of Smith, Nimmo, or Conforto to find a more defensive-minded centerfielder. They could also start their defensive revamp by focusing on that end with whomever they bring in behind the plate.
All in all, Alderson took a measured approach in discussing the Mets’ future, recognizing some of the failures of the team in recent years. Ultimately, he landed on the side of optimism, saying, “…There is a foundation there, and I think if we can add the right pieces this year – and Steve has indicated that we’ll have the opportunity to do that – we can be pretty good pretty quickly, and that’s my goal for 2021.”
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
It is good to see Alderson back in the saddle
krumbledkookie
Smith put up a great season. He’ll be starting whether there’s a DH or not.
throwinched10
Does he start at 1b over Alonso if there is no DH? If not, who sits?
angt222
I think the Mets at that point commit to Nimmo in CF and play Smith in LF. Hopefully the DH stays because it would make the roster crunch easier to manage.
throwinched10
The scenario becomes McNeil vs Smith vs Davis at that point – assuming Alonso is at 1b and Cano is at 2b because of his contract.
Willy Mays
That doesn’t solve the problem because you also have Conforto and Mcneil. Thats one too many OFs. Plus Mets have been said to be looking for a strong defensive centerfielder. I agree Smith has to start for the Mets as he is clearly one of the best hitters on the team but to get him his abs you would either have to move Mcneil to 3rd replacing Davis or trade an outfielder because including Smith they have one too many outfielders.
smytds
Smith plays LF
throwinched10
Davis sits and McNeil plays 3b?
Ma4170
I would think so… Smith is a special talent… McNeil needs to be in the lineup… davis is solid but expendable
padam
McNeil plays many positions, so folks like Davis, Cano, Alonso, Smith, Nimmo and Conforto can get rest. There’s enough bats in there for everyone.
Joggin’George
Davis goes to the bench. There is not enough at bats for an extra player. Everyone thinks that, but the math doesn’t work. And if they sign JBJ, Davis becomes little more than a pinch hitter.
mookiesboy
Davis goes to Cleveland along with Rosario and a minor leaguer
angt222
Yep for Lindor.
Willy Mays
I hope you don’t think that will get you Lindor. Davis and Rosario were both negative WAR players last year’ If you want Lindor you will need at a minimum Gimenez in the trade
Joggin’George
Yuck, I don’t wanna give up anything for one year of anyone
Willy Mays
Davis is solid? Davis is a bad fielding 3rd baseman who hit a 247 with 6 hrs last year. How is that solid. A negative WAR player by definition is not a solid player.
johnnydubz
Indians are dumping his 20 million dollar salary…. how many teams can afford that in this climate where US is in lockdown next 4 years
andremets
I’d be happy to offer Cleveland the option of picking 2 out 4 from the group of Davis, Gimenez, D.Smith and Rosario plus a pitching prospect like Ginn or even Allen for Lindor.
Joggin’George
You’d really give up Smith and more for just one year of Lindor? That’s crazy to me.
Willy Mays
If you’d give up Smith and Gimenez plus a minor leaguer for 1 year of Lindor you know nothing about baseball
MetsFan22
You really looking at last year stats! Lol might as well predict the marlins to go the playoffs again!
Willy Mays
Last year was 60 games. To have a negative WAR for more then a 3rd of a regular season for a player like JD Davis who has only had one decent year is pretty damning. On what basis do you declare JD Davis a solid player. His defense is not good whether he hits is obviously questionable but Mets fans love there own. According to Mets fans in this column alone Rosario will be huge as a trade chip Alonso is untouchable and JD Davis is solid, Amazing this team ended up 4th or maybe you believe that was a fluke too. and given a 160 game schedule they would have won the World Series
TradeRumorUser
Davis, Rosario, zsapucki, Vientos, and someone like Greene I feel get it done. Any player in the Mets top 6 are untouchable in my opinion
SportsFan0000
SS Lindor would have to be extended by the Mets for the Mets to give
up 3 or 4 players for him.
findingnimmo
No dh m, alonso is starting. Smith would be left field or traded.
Ma4170
Yeah I would think LF… though I’m holding out hope for the DH, because that’s where Alonso should play and Smith should be at 1b if they’re really going to value defense
TradeRumorUser
Personally I say yes only because Pete has to prove himself with the glove and bat come this spring while doms glove and bat shows it can play
Dorothy_Mantooth
Welcome to the Mets, Jackie Bradley Jr.
Dorothy_Mantooth
And James McCann
slider32
McCann will have a lot of suiters, he is the best value on the catching market.
metfan4ever
YES again same no lose of picks, good defense, framing, and can hit for a C
ExileInLA 2
Bauer + Hand + Bradley + McCann and Mets fans are happy. Bradley + McCann plus no-name dumpster diving for pitching will start the howls again.
Joggin’George
Need to add more than just Bauer to that staff. Only have 2 starters (deGrom, Peterson) to begin the season. Even if you include Matz (and his 9+ era) and Lugo (not great as a starter, thins out bullpen) that’s still too shaky. Won’t win anything with that staff. (Plus Bauer is a jerk).
SportsFan0000
Strohman just accepted the Mets QA
slider32
Bradley doesn’t hit enough to make an impact for the Mets.
metfan4ever
Jacky Jr, YES, we don’t lose any picks, very good defense, speed, plus WAR
Joggin’George
JBJ will just end up pushing a superior player, such as Smith, to the bench. Pass. Actually downgrades the team.
ab2804
Moving Conforto, Whaaaaaattttt?
slider32
Mets need to add 2 starters, a catcher, a centerfielder, and 2 relief pitchers. I would add one short term starter, Bauer for one year would be the top chioce, one younger starter like Walker, and try and sign Springer. Then I would get a good defensive catcher, and sign Hand and Colome
MetsFan22
They don’t really need a elite catcher. Teams win with a mediocre catcher all the time. They should be fine if they just fix their pitching and get a backup defensive CF to come in late in games.
mets1536
It Would Cost 72M to buy out Cano & He has a NO TRADE but if Thinks he has a Chance at the HOF he still NEEDS 376 Hits to 3,000 …. Maybe he’d wave the No Trade if He’s Told he’ll only be a Bench Player.
Willy Mays
Who is taking Cano off the Mets hands. List teams who are looking for 3 years 0f an old second baseman making 24 million per year. Two years ago The Mets got back 20 mill and dumped 24 mill in contracts in the Cano trade . He is now 2 years older
andremets
Cano has some value but the Mets would likely have to pay about 40-50% of the contract. I could see Cano going to Colorado along with 2 prospects for Arrenado.
Willy Mays
Youn are kidding right? The reason Colorado would trade Arenado is to get rid of his salary. Why would they take 72 million back. Arenado is much younger and much better then Cano so how would taking Canos 24 mill per help Colorado
BobGibsonFan
Tigers need a 1B and a 2B and have a bunch of money coming off the books… Cano and Smith for Norris and Jiminez and Farmer? 3 relievers who could help the pen. Jiminez had a terrible year but the Mets were interested in him in 2018. Norris has been a starter, but got Covid and was put in the pen.
hockeyjohn
No team is going to take Cano’s contract.
BobGibsonFan
Include Smith and or a decent prospect, I bet they would.
resident
What about McNeil for Arenado?
metfan4ever
Sandy is going after Bauer. Just read how he talks about him. And Bauer will be able to try and show up Cole, who he’s had a longtime feud. I’ll give up a 2ed and a 5th for him
MetsFan22
Bauer to Mets confirmed?????
metfan4ever
Maybe Cano does a David Wright and it insurance money that pays, I don’t think the HOF happens due to PEDs
oscar gamble
Bring on Francisco Lindor! That’ll improve the defense as well as the offense.
EasternLeagueVeteran
I dont think so. There are two serviceable options in Rosario and Gimenez snd Mauricio behind both of them. Money better spent on the mound and behind the plate
baseballpun
All you Mets fans think you want sustained success, but if Cohen turns the Mets into the Yankees of Queens County you’ll lose your identity as bitter, put-upon also-rans, and just become miserable a-holes. Just look at Red Sox and Cubs fans. You’re better off continuing to suck but throwing together a good team every decade or so.
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
Well, what a ray of sunshine YOU are!
metfan4ever
ballballDUMB I have NP with being the the queens spenders, I guess your team wins all the time or do your team fans suck too. Philly fans booed Santa, so you forgot them too. Marlin fans don’t come out to a very nice park that has a view of downtown Miami. LA & SF fight each other at games, As play in a empty park. So I have NP in being on your level of A-Hole. What’s your team. Let’s see how many WS your team has. Even if it’s the Yankees, If so, I guess you’re disappointed in them, don’t know why but that sounds right
baseballpun
First of all, chill out.
Second of all, I’m a Cardinals fan, so I’ve proven my own point. Checkmate.
baseballpun
Also, “ballballDUMB” is weaker than Carlos Betran’s knees buckling under an Adam Wainwright curveball.
xSpecBx
I thought it was humorous and as a Yankees fan who grew up on Long Island, went to college in Mass and now lives in CT, it sounds about right.
BobGibsonFan
And if the Mets win a World Series, that’s something a Yankee team hasn’t done in a very very very long time.
When Yankee fans chant “28” are they referring to how many times they’ve been a wildcard?
cdav45
Hello, I’m the Cleveland Indians and we have everything you need. We have a SS(Lindor), a SP(Carrasco), and a C(Perez/Hedges). Give me a call and we’ll work something out.
baseballpun
The Mets can offer you Robinson Cano and a two-bedroom condo in Long island City.
dugmet
Mets sign Springer. Nimmo + Rosario for quality starter.
Joggin’George
Springer is too old. Back end of that contract is gonna suck. I like Nimmo better. Just keep him and sign a pitcher
Willy Mays
Why do Mets fans believe Rosario has worth. He hit a 252 with 4 hrs over a 60 game season and was weak defensively. Why are teams giving up value for that.
Joggin’George
Rosario perhaps sweetens the deal a bit if someone believes he still has potential as a second baseman or something… he’s not a headliner
MetsFan22
If he is the headliner you are right. But he has value as a thrown in piece
Willy Mays
How much value. He was a negative WAR player last year who was weak defensively. Nimmo and Rosario do not get you a quality starter unless your definition of quality starter is very different then mine.
Joggin’George
I think you’re way undervaluing Nimmo. His OPS+, OBP and WAR totals say that many teams would give up a lot for him. Rosario whatever, but Nimmo is a great player.
Willy Mays
The list grows. In a previous comment I noticed how Mets fans overvalue there players. JD Davis is solid. Alonso untouchable. Rosario a valuable trade chip now Nimmo is a great player. This is amazing. I believe Smith and Mcnei and Conforto l are real good players so my question is if Rosario Davis Alonso and Nimmo are so good why didn;t the Mets run away with the East. The Yankees without great pitching made the playoffs. You Mets fans talk about last years team like they were the 27 Yankees.. ITruth is the right side of your infield sucked last year as did your firstbaseman. Your outfield was a defensive joke but keep talking the strength of your team
Ma4170
With Rosario it’s more about the tools and potential… he’s not even 25 yet (will be this month)… if teams think 2019 is a sign of what he can be, they’ll buy low… btw his 2020 was very good defensively… but you’re right, no way he headlines a deal… he’s just a piece in a deal… as a Mets fan, I think he has way more upside than gimenez, but I think gimenez is a better bet to be a steady player… just from watching both
Willy Mays
Rosario was good defensively last year huh. Then I guess the -.1 dWAR listed in baseball reference is a misprint. Mets fans should actually check stats rather then giving biased scouting reports about their players
Joggin’George
Nimmo is seen as a great player by front offices, maybe not by talk radio. If your knowledge of baseball has been updated since 1980, you’ll know that a career .390 OBP, 146 OPS+ last year, and 2018 WAR of 4.2 makes him a great player… or perhaps you’re only looking at batting average? Pull yourself out of the Stone Age.
BobGibsonFan
Marlins made the playoffs… Nats,Phillies and Mets sat at home. How did that happen?
Ma4170
It’s funny when the ignorant speak like they know something… if you’re only going to cite stats, then the Outs Above Average, which is the accepted standard now, has him at 2… same as Gimenez… and tied for 7th at SS in MLB
JR
i think Cano sits, McNeil at 2nd. you haveto put the best team out there, its all about wins. i think they will look to trade Cano and eat up most of his contract. Dom Smith i think will be in LF, Springer in Center, Conforto in Right…Alonso, Mcneil, Lindor or Gimenez at Short and JD at Third. McCann at Catcher…. i think they will sign Bauer, trade Matz, sign Odorizzi or Samardzija and have Peterson as the 4th or 5th starter
Ma4170
I’d love if they did all of this… I’d also like to see if they could trade for Musgrove… I’d love if they made a big offer for Marquez but I don’t see it happening
Dan Hunter
JD is a GIANT liability at 3rd.
metfan4ever
Springer cost picks, Jacky jr doesn’t. same with McCann or Trade for KC’s Perez, last yr of his contract, so extending him 2 more yr might work. Take Duffy’s $$ too and maybe we don’t give up much.
Willy Mays
Is the rest of baseball bidding on these players or does everyone automatically sign with the Mets because they want them?. Just wondering.
Joggin’George
What about Nimmo and his .400 OBP? Just gonna toss that aside? And Cano hasn’t been bad. Plus what’s their payroll gonna be? A million?
Willy Mays
Why sit Cano who actually showed life last year. Since Davis no great shakes last year and bad defensively why not try Mcneil at third and keep his bat and Canos bat in the lineup. Makes more sense then sitting a 24 million dollar player when you are playing a negative WAR player at third
GarryHarris
If Sandy Alderson emphasized offense during his previous run, Mets fans are going to be disappointed again. His past offensive acquisitions are generally weak.
With the exception of Yoenis Cespedis for a month, Curtis Granderson, Asdrubel Cabrera, Jay Bruce and Todd Frazier didn’t exactly set the world on fire.
AngelDiceClay
Mets fan are only fans of the Mets because they HATE the Bronx Bombers.
Dan Hunter
I became a Mets fan when saw Tippy Martinez in the 1974 yearbook.
kodiak920
Or just preferred National League baseball.
metfan4ever
NO. Just like the Mets better.
alproof
HaloHonk—stupidest comment I’ve ever seen on here.
Dan Hunter
Mr Alderson said “now I can shop in the gourmet row at the supermarket”
Maybe we will get JTR.
baseballpun
Nothing “gourmet” ever came from Philly.
Dan Hunter
JTR is much more gourmet than McCann or cheesesteaks.
baseballpun
Wow you must be JTR’s agent with that high praise.
Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher
soft pretzels, scrapple and cheesesteaks. what planet you live on?
gijoelm
Salvador Perez is probably someone who could be had in trade. The Royals could use salary relief and he’s only 30 this year.
padam
JTR, Bauer and Hand are the three I believe they’ll go after off the FA market. I’d suspect they’d get one of those, possibly two ((Hand being one of them) and making deals for other needs they need to fill. Bauer and Hand would make the most sense, IMHO.
Joggin’George
I’d rather they go for 2 or 3 reliable starters rather than blow it all on Bauer… we’ve been through that ace 1 and ace 2 thing without dominating success, let’s go for depth cuz even with Bauer the staff is very thin.
Willy Mays
That doesn’t solve the problem because you also have Conforto and Mcneil. Thats one too many OFs. Plus Mets have been said to be looking for a strong defensive centerfielder. I agree Smith has to start for the Mets as he is clearly one of the best hitters on the team but to get him his abs you would either have to move Mcneil to 3rd replacing Davis or trade an outfielder because including Smith they have one too many outfielders.
Joggin’George
Move McNeil to 3rd, Davis to bench.
jvent
Hopefully the DH stays that’s for Cano since there’s no way of trading him. My Mets Inf: Alonso, McNeil,Gimenez,Davis & McCann, OF Smith,Springer & Conforto.
Maybe Stroman accepts the QO
Sign Springer,Hand, McCann, Odorizzi and Jeffress. Resign J.Wilson and E.Ramirez
Trade Nimmo,Rosario,Matz and a minor leaguer for Carrasco.
Rotation. DeGrom,Carrasco,Stroman,Peterson and Odorizzi
Bullpen Hand,Diaz,Lugo,Wilson,Jeffress,Ramirez,Familia etc
Joggin’George
Horrible left side defense; not worth giving up Nimmo for Carrasco
Joggin’George
All this talk about Springer, JT, Lindor, distracts from what the team really needs: pitching, pitching, pitching… the offense is fine. Add pitching and a decent catcher and all should be good. And all without mortgaging the future with bad trades or overspending long term.
Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher
Don’t wanna see Nimmo traded. Hit him atop the line up, sit back and enjoy an OBP of .380+ and 100+ runs scored each year. Trade for Harrison Bader (Cardinals don’t need him.). Best CF in all of MLB. Late in the games, install Bader in CF and move Nimmo to LF in place of Smith.
All the banter in the comments above are moot points unless the SP steps up and is dominant. I might be a cult of one, but still think Steve Matz is gonna put it all together one year and become a 15 game winner.
Catcher? Agree with a previous poster. Realmuto would be nice, but I’d rather spend Cohen cheese in other areas. Sign a guy like Tucker Barnhart. Great defensive catcher and one of the toughest to steal against. That latter talent ought to help Thor relax a bit more. Plus, he’s not a wet noodle with the bat. .250 with 8-10 HR is within his capabilities.
Willy Mays
Question. You want Bader and Nimmo. So where do Conforto Smith and Mcneil all play since you only have one more outfield position. All 3 of those players help your team more than either Bader or Nimmo
parkers
Stroman agreed to accept one year deal. DeGrom, Stroman, Peterson and eventually Thor seems like a good base. Finding a four or five should be very doable. Having Lugo back in pen helps. Wilson has to be signed or replaced. Realmuto would be great. Biggest need is right handed hitters. With Alonso and Davis both taking a step back they were very vaunerable to left handed relievers. ( McNeil, Conforto, Cano, Smith and Nimmo )
seaver41
Can’t play both Smith and Nimmo in OF at same time- would be disastrous defense and negate the offense somewhat. I feel it would be Smith- gotta have a strong defensive CF if you want lesser gloves in LF and/or RF
SportsFan0000
Stroman just accepted the Mets Qualifying offer.
Sandy needs to add the following:
1) Starter Trevor Bauer
2) Closer Brad Hand
3) OF George Springer
4) Catcher JT Realmeato(sp)
5) Shore up bullpen
6) Trade for SS Francisco Lindor
That would make the Mets a World Series contender in 2021
SportsFan0000
2nd alternative for Mets:
1) SP Bauer
2) Closer Hand
3) Catcher James McCann
4) New CF by Trade or Free Agent
5) Shore up bullpen
6) Francisco LIndor Trade only if Mets can get him to sign a multi year contract
7) Springer or other RH OF bat by trade or FA