Feb. 9: Almora’s deal comes with a $1.25MM base salary that can be increased via incentives, tweets Heyman.
Feb. 7: The Mets are in agreement on a contract with free agent outfielder Albert Almora Jr., pending a physical, report Ken Rosenthal and Andy McCullough of the Athletic (Twitter link). It is expected to be a major league, incentive-laden deal for the Magnus Sports client, hears Jon Heyman of MLB Network (via Twitter).
Selected sixth overall in the 2012 draft by the Cubs out of a Florida high school, Almora had previously spent his entire career in the Chicago organization. Well-regarded as a prospect for his defensive acumen in center field, Almora broke into the majors midway through the Cubs’ World Series winning 2016 season. Over his first year-plus as a big leaguer, he looked to be establishing himself as another long-term core piece for Chicago. Between 2016-17, Almora was roughly a league average hitter. Combined with his glove in center, he at least seemed to be establishing himself as a solid regular.
Unfortunately, Almora’s offense has fallen since then. In 2018, he hit .286/.323/.378 with just five home runs over 479 plate appearances. While he made plenty of contact and hit for a high batting average, Almora’s overall offensive value was rather limited to his lack of power and meager 5.0% walk rate. Unfortunately, that drop-off at the plate continued, as he stumbled to a .236/.271/.381 line over 363 plate appearances in 2019. Almora spent most of last season at the Cubs’ alternate training site, starting just six regular-season games and being left off the roster for their playoff series against the Marlins. Chicago unsurprisingly non-tendered him after the season.
Even coming off a few poor years, it’s easy to see why the Mets were interested in bringing Almora in on what’s surely a low-cost deal. Advanced defensive metrics are divided on the extent of Almora’s impact with the glove, but they all agree he’s at least a solid center fielder. Over 2,612.1 career innings at the position, Almora has rated as six runs better than average, in the estimation of Defensive Runs Saved. Statcast’s range-based metric is more bullish, crediting Almora with fourteen plays above average. Ultimate Zone Rating, meanwhile, has rated him as closer to a break-even defender.
The Mets’ projected primary outfield of Dominic Smith, Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto is one of the better offensive groupings in the game but comes with obvious question marks in the field. Almora figures to serve as an oft-used defensive replacement at the end of games, perhaps bumping Nimmo to a corner and moving Smith off the grass when New York is protecting a late lead. A right-handed hitter, Almora also offers an obvious complement to the left-handed bats of Smith, Nimmo and Conforto. Guillermo Heredia is already on hand as a right-handed hitting fourth outfielder, but Almora offers a bit more upside in that role.
If Almora regains his footing at the plate, his stay in Queens could extend beyond next season. As a player with four-plus years of MLB service, Almora remains controllable via arbitration through the end of 2022.
Mets fans have entered the chat
This is why you don’t trust what billionaires tell you ever. Even if they have homestyle fireside chats on Twitter.
Believe Cohen said they’ll be competive every year and they will build towards a championship team for 3-5 years down the road. Idk where you think the billionaire lied to his fans.
I’d pull up his tweets but he quit Twitter
He actually said something better. He said if he doesn’t win a championship in the next 3-5 years he’ll be mad. He never said they are aiming to win one in 3-5 years.
Thank god he quit Twitter. Bragging about the GME nonsense. The Mets don’t need that drama.
Exactly! Many fans have the patience of a toddler. I’d love to see the Mets in the playoffs, but….
Cohen Madoff quite well.
@RunDMC well done.
Didn’t even say mad.
He said he’d be disappointed if they didn’t win in the next 3-5 years.
Press blew this out of proportion. Others just ran with it.
Dude just stfu. Adding a defensive replacement doesn’t discount the Mets in the NL East. They’re still top favorites to contend for the top spot in the division against Atlanta. Baseball fans are so short minded when it comes to how roster configurations are accrued.
@Bochy’s Stfu, fool. Just stfu. By popular demand.
He’s spending where winning teams spend: analytics, R&D, and player development. He’s also making big offers where it’s smart and building depth.
Thank you!!
Guggenheim bought the Dodger in 2012 and just now won the WS. And the Dodgers don’t have the LOL stigma attached to them like the Mets. For example, the Phillies have a much longer history of losing than the Mets, and nobody’s calling them the Lolphils.
Cohen’s not a miracle worker, and never said he was.
Maybe a better question is why people believe billionaires when they claim tax cuts will create thousands of jobs that never materialize.
The Phillies won the World Series in 2008. The Mets last won in 1986. How does Philly have a much longer history of losing? “Winning” in baseball can only be defined as winning it all, something the Phillies have done much more recently than NY.
Meh there were also three major tax hikes between 1980 and 2000, tax rates had little to do with the ups and downs. It’s a myth designed to let the rich off the hook for looting the economy.
The rich pay for government. The top 10% of earners pay 70% of federal personal income taxes.
Tax rates went from 70% in the Nixon-Ford-Carter malaise down to 28% under Reagan. It unleashed a wave of prosperity that we haven’t come close to since!
@For the love of
You mean the tax cuts that were almost immediately rolled back when the government realized they were too big to be sustainable?
The prosperity you mention came from reduction of interest rates by the federal reserve and government spending on defense and highways. Taxes were raised almost every year after 1981 so there is no way the cuts played a significant role.
What the hell does any of this have to do with the actual story? Get a life!!!
Also saying the rich paid 70% percent of federal income taxes before the reagan cuts (which was actually proposed by democrats) is inaccurate. The top tax bracket didn’t even generate 1% of tax revenue and no one in the top tax bracket actually paid 70% of income as taxes.
If more people did a little bit of their own research instead of listening to corporate and political mouth pieces we wouldn’t be so divided.
Prosperity for select white people. Killer Mike had it right in his song about that guy. I glad he dead, too.
@Cey Hey
“Ronald Reagan was an actor, not at all a factor, just an employee of the country’s real masters. Just like the Bushes, Clinton and Obama just another talking head selling lies on teleprompter.”
@Dorothy_Mantooth: Huh??? Mets were recently in the WS in 2015. Yes, winning a WS is great, but being competitive every year is what counts. Look, I’m a Mets fan that respect the Phils and think everything is better in the division when the Phils and Mets are competitive. Help me to understand your unique wisdom.
Why bring politics into this? And, BTW, look at unemployment from 1980 to 1988 if you don’t think tax cuts don’t create jobs.
Cey Hey3 hours ago
Prosperity for select white people.
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I’m from The Bronx, and most of my friends did pretty well. Are we the select white people?
For Love of the Game5 hours ago
Reagan. It unleashed a wave of prosperity that we haven’t come close to since!
======================================================
While I think that taxes should be higher, for everyone, anyone that thinks this country wasn’t better in 1990 than 1980, probably wasn’t here from 1980-1990. Not even close. Reagan, Bush I, and Clinton were all excellent presidents.
Mrtwotone, Exactly.
pewresearch.org/2010/12/14/reagans-recession/
@JoeBrady The tax rate on the rich in Ike’s 1950s was 91%, with an effective rate of 55% after deductions. By your logic we should restore taxes on the rich to that rate.
I mean we should, obviously–but you probably want to be aware of the consequences of your assertions.
Not really the place for political discussions. Since you are insisting on talking about Reagan and taxes, here you go.
The top 10% earn over 90% of the income in the US. So we are paying 20% less than we should. It is even more inequitable once you get in my tax bracket.
The tax rates were 91-92% on the top bracket in the highest growth period in US history.
Until 2008, the largest recession since the Great Depression was during the Reagan administration.
pewresearch.org/2010/12/14/reagans-recession/
Facts are not your forte.
Bragging to randos on the internet about how little taxes you (allegedly) pay again?
Ignorant ass munch
JackStrawb
@JoeBrady The tax rate on the rich in Ike’s 1950s was 91%, with an effective rate of 55% after deductions. By your logic we should restore taxes on the rich to that rate.
===================================================================
So, when i said taxes should be higher, you interpreted that to mean that I think they should should be 91%?
Kindly share your logic for that conclusion.
He said he wanted to win within five years – guess he intends to start trying in five years. Not one move they made this offseason will help this team in 2021. Lindor deal is nice but Mets didn’t need a SS – they needed a great catcher and CF and they didn’t get either. First mistake Cohen made was Alderson – another old cheap guy who is clueless on building a winner
dbrad
Not one move they made this offseason will help this team in 202
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Not a Mets fan, but if you don’t think adding McCann, Stroman, May, Lindor, Carrasco, and Lucchesi, is not going to help the Mets in 2021, then you know absolutely nothing about baseball.
You’re clueless. No hate, but you don’t get it.
They were rather set at SS, yes, BUT…
It’s LINDOR!
Get it?! 🙂
Sorry but I believe you are the clueless one. Despite how good Lindor is he doesn’t fill the need for a good CF. Mets pitchers don’t get many ground ball outs – more flyballs and that outfield will cost them way too many runs so Lindor needs to produce a lot
You just confirmed “clueless.” Seriously man, I apologize for being snarky. 🙂
Haven’t you noticed the overwhelming agreement that that was an excellent trade for the Mets by not just Mets fans, but also baseball writers and on-air baseball commentators too. You’re close to alone in the woods.
Peace, no hate. 🙂
JohnInSouthJersey8 mins ago
Haven’t you noticed the overwhelming agreement that that was an excellent trade for the Mets by not just Mets fans,
===========================================================
IMO, as a RS fan, it was a fine trade both ways. From the CL perspective, they just landed a pretty good prospect at SS for the next five years, with some other pieces that could be valuable.
But IIRC, the NYMs best prospect is a SS. And Carrasco is a mice piece for their rotation, that they would’ve had to acquire someone.
And while I am a big fan of JBJ, he’s not a good fit for the NYMs, as currently constructed. While it would be nice to have a better glove in CF, just the fact that the NYMs have the best offensive OF in the NL, means they don’t really need to add another outfielder.
No hate at all – shouldn’t have been snarky with you either. It was a great deal – no doubt – just less important than the OF. Long term Lindor will be great for the Mets – just wish we addressed the OF a bit more
Springer was too expensive- I agree. Just hoping for a strong everyday CF
To quote Ringo: Peace and Love
@dbrad Alderson’s ineptitude is startling.
The Mets needed a 3B. Arenado was available at a 25m AAV. Instead they got Lindor who, on a long term deal, will cost them an AAV around 30m.
The Mets needed a C, but instead of Realmuto, a 5 win player at 23m, they got McCann, a 1 win player at 10m.
They needed a CFer. They didn’t get one.
They needed a durable 1/2 starter. They didn’t get one.
They needed a top bullpen arm. They got a slightly better v of Justin Wilson.
Their bench is surely the weakest of any contender.
The back half of their rotation is as if they went out and got four more Matzes.
Alderson never even seemed aware that Lance Lynn, Yu Darvish, Blake Snell, and Joey Musgrove were available.
–Just one more data point putting the lie to the idea that because a guy makes a lot of money at a hedge fund, he’s preternaturally intelligent. Just look at who Cohen brought back, and the other FO fiascos.
Jack Strawb,
You are preaching to the choir to me about Hans Christian Alderson The Emperor’s New Clothes.
JackStrawb
Arenado, from reports I’ve seen, wasn’t going to wave his no trade clause to go to the Mets. Plus Mets farm system is not deep enough to overpay in prospects.
Realmuto’s asking price at the start of free agency was NOT 5 @ 115. Reports were that the Mets went to his camp and they were told that he wasn’t signing right away. Waiting and negotiating with Realmuto would have held up the Mets off season. If they wait for Realmuto, and McCann signs somewhere else, then they’re really screwed because Realmuto could stand firm on whatever price he was asking for and maybe even increase it.
Springer made the most sense but, a club has to feel comfortable with the length of a deal. Mets didn’t after trading for Lindor and knowing they have to resign certain players after this season.
They did get a solid SP in the Lindor trade. Carrasco is very good. Just so ya know..
This team had plenty of holes to fill, They also had to improve on the depth of talent throughout their 40man roster.
They weren’t going to have the prospect capitol to get Snell. They don’t want to part with what little they have.
Getting Carrasco deepens the length of that rotation.
I’m sorry but to me, you just sound like an agent who’s salty about the Mets not over paying for free agents..
IF you’re a fan of the Mets. For you to think their situation would get fixed in 1 offseason is just not realistic thinking.
They have improved the team. Not to everyone’s liking but they have..
Zzzzzzz
lmao…i know
Probably because it’s a Mets story
Juan Lagares 2.0
Lagares just signed with the Angels. That ship has sailed.
I think my point was that they are the same player.
Lagares is definitely better
You think? Are you like me and there is some disagreement among the voices in your head?
Lagares was better one year and the rest at best a 4th outfielder and always hurt. Don’t get me wrong I’m not impressed with this signing but Almora if I’m not mistaken is younger , great CF and has had more than one season a good bat
Almora had a year and a half of a league average bat. Then two years of poor hitting and last year didn’t get any playing time. He’s never had a good bat
Better than Bradley. I would have preferred to bring Marisnek back but this guy was once a hitter and at 26 could get it back. Now sign Walker or Odorizzi.
Marsinek hit when hew knew what pitch was coming.
Marisnik should end up in Boston on a one year deal. Jaren Durran is going to be Jacoby Ellsbury 2.0 once he reaches Boston in late 2021, mark my words. That is he’ll be the Boston Ellsbury and not the broken down Yankee Ellsbury.
You mean Johnny Damon?
I was thinking the same thing, both are amazing run savers in the feild. The AB’s are the biggest question. I hope mets fans enjoy him.
Nail on the head…just younger. Almora Jr. just never got over the hump. Made some great plays on D, but don’t expect the hitting to even return to what he did a couple years ago, 26 going on 27 or not.
Almora was meaningfully above average on defense in one year of five.
This should have been a minor league signing.
makes perfect sense
Only if you are looking for mediocrity!
Mediocre cheap backups don’t make sense? Nimmo bats lefty (well) and plays poor CF defense. Almora bats righty (poorly) and plays good defense. The complement feels pretty obvious.
g4, you must forget that some fans want their teams to sign every top FA, even if they complain about the contract two years in. They always forget that a balanced team is a competitive team. .. and to have balance, a signing like Almora here is more than valid.
He’s got to be really old by now. His kid is in the big leagues.
Haha
Almora is 26 Years old… You could’ve googled it only took 5 Seconds….
woosh
Some would say that he was making a joke because this Almora is a junior…. but the joke went way over your head. Try being less serious next time.
Usually jokes have a funny component. Usually.
Took a trip down literal alley
Literally?
Try reading the headline
Starting OF of Smith-Nimmo-Conforto with Almora as the 4th?
We already had a 4th OF in Heredia.. I guess Almora pushing him out. I was hoping for a CF to take over the starting gig, not compliment Nimmo.
The uncertainty of the DH screwed up that thought process. Smith and Nimmo both need to play everyday, their offense is too valuable.
Exactly. Heresies is a good glove as well. Almora is just a dumpster dive pickup. NOT liking this move at all.
Almora is 26 and 300 ABs removed from league average offense production while being a great glove. Plus he’s a righty snd that fits better. JBJ wanted a mutli year deal and you just don’t so those for a 31 year old fourth outfielder. I have no problem with an incentive laden deal for a former top prose left who can play D and still has that age 27 year in front of them
And… if it’s a 1-year deal (?), who knows what’s available for 2022? Maybe a CF player that’s a better long-term fit than even Springer.
Nimmo HAS to get 500 ABs. His OPS over the last few years is top 10 OF in the league (and even higher if you take out the time after he played with a hurt neck). Totally agree his barely passable in CF but needs to get to the plate. And shouldn’t take away ABs from Dom or Conforto.
you want to play for a world series with Heredia as your 4th OF?
So then what’s wrong with Almora as the 5th outfielder? Teams can have those again thanks to the 26th roster spot that’s now available.
As a Cub fan who has watched the guy for awhile, I can say that while they really thought he’d improve at the plate, his defense has never been a question mark. He has a history of making difficult catches in the late innings and there’s one other thing that he’ll add- 4 years of playoff experience. This guy is an inexpensive, great pick up for the Mets.
I’ve read a few comments from Cubs’ fans over the past couple years suggesting that Almora’s offensive numbers trended downward after he hit a child with a foul ball a couple years ago. Is there any validity to that assessment?
If you look at the game logs from the moment it happened, that is true. Although, ultimately, I think the role he is signed for is fine for the Mets. It will take a bounceback and improvement with the bat for him to ever be a starter.
Jesus, what happened to the poor kid? I have some Goggling to do. I much hope I read he turned out OK. 🙂
I like how you got off the schwarbs train and hopped onto the pederson express…
In the outfield he’ll catch flies.
In the batter’s box he’ll draw ’em.
Brutal DCartrow. Funny, but brutal.
Well, there are worse RH CFers out there…don’t know where tho…..is Pete Bougeous still around?
Remember when the Angel’s pushed Trout to left to start Bourjos? Hard to believe now
Scioscia did some weird stuff. I still say Cron would have been an all star 1B if Scioscia let him start. I think Pujols has pics of Scioscia because there was no way he was riding the bench no matter how crappy he got.
Ny favorite was when they had Edmonds, Salmon, and Anderson in the OF, and Erstad at 1st. Nice alignment. So they added Mo Vaughn, who had no position. So they moved Erstand to the OF and traded Edmonds.
…where Erstad won a gold glove. Won one at 1B and CF. Not bad for a punter.
Pujols was a significantly better hitter than Cron in 2014 and 2015, while they were about the same in 2016 with Pujols playing the large majority of his games at DH. While 2017 was Pujols’s career worst year to date (not counting the small sample size last year), he spent almost that entire season at DH, anyway.
Anyway, Pujols is still a somewhat decent hitter and still deserves at least a part-time DH role as he continues to climb the career leaderboards.
Erstad was still no Edmonds on defense and especially not at the plate.
That’s my point with Cron. Had he been given a chance to be an everyday player, he could have thrived and excelled.
Randal Grichuk? He hits like a Buick but only on the rare occasions he can actually make contact with the broad side of one.
Mets fan saying he is their alternative to Bradley once he signs lol
I’d rather him to the ridiculous contract Bradley is about to get.!
Whether they go after Bradley or a big weakness for the Mets has been AAA depth. When a regular got hurt there was never a decent replacement. So I look at this signing as that depth. And hey if a change of scenery helps this guy even better
If Bradley comes anywhere near what he’s asking for, I think it’s a good alternative to take.
More to come. Is that a promise or a threat?
I like this move (so long as it means the Mets don’t blow their wad on Bradley or another high-priced outfielder). At age 26, Amora Jr. can still blossom as a major leaguer. Besides, it can’t hurt to give Nimmo some competition for center field.
If your real name is Rod Cannon, I’m jealous.
There was a police chief in Northville, Michigan (circa 1992) named Rod Cannon, and I named my now defunct sports photography business after him (Rod Cannon Photography) ten years ago. I always thought Rod Cannon would be the perfect name for a TV detective.
Sounds about right- definitely a fictional character name, no doubt. [Or you may consider a book series that transitions to TV].
ThatstheJoke.jpg
Worse move than the Wilpons ever would have made.
Sub 500 season.
Prob the worst move ever! Last place!
Lol, am i doing the irrational kneejerk overreaction right?
No. You can’t use words like probably. You have to be definitive and hyperbolic in your outrage.
I still believe Marisnick is the player that makes the most sense in CF for the Mets
Agree. But it looks like they’ve chosen Almora for that role. I’m hoping Heredia gets DFA and Mallex Smith makes the roster out of spring. But Marisnick would have been the best choice of all. Forget about JBJ. He’s asking for WAY too much
I was going to say this. He had a nice SSS 2020 and seemed to fit in well. Wonder what the deal was with him.
This is not CF they needed. They already had Legares & how did that work out. What about Kevin Pillar. As good a glove & much better bat.
I don’t think Pillar can play CF anymore though. I guess as a bench option it wouldn’t hurt too bad, but if your CFer gets injured? I was surprised at this because I seriously thought the Mets were going to get JBJ, but after seeing that he wants longevity on his contract at his age; well, I am pretty sure they won’t go there for a fourth OFer.
Bradley is overvaluing himself, imo, and he is going to sit unless he accepts 3 years or under. If he had a good stick that’d be a completely different story.
I agree
I like the move. If no DH in the NL, Nimmo is playing CF with Dom Smith in LF. Almora has a good glove, good on the base path, and is RH. He can hit at bottom of the lineup and be a defensive replacement.
Nimmo is not a CFer. Ok catching balls but no arm that lets runners score easily from 2nd or on Sac fly. Hope for DH in NL for Nimmo, JD or Alonso. Rather trade Nimmo to clear space for both Dom & Alonso to play every day & sign Bradley, Pillar or Cain.
But, the numbers show that Smith and Nimmo are so valuable on offense that they still produce top five value at left and center, respectively, despite having negative defensive value. The team is better off with Brandon in left, Dom at first, and Pete at DH, but that’s not an option yet. If they could get full value out of trading one of those three, sure, sign a starting center fielder, It seems unlikely. My fellow Mets fans seem to think that Nimmo can net a good bullpen arm when, as a poor fielding on-base machine with a good slugging percentage has more value than the best reliever, and he won’t net Hader, let alone a top starter like Castillo.
I think he meant he has more value to the team than he has in trades.
You are overvaluing Nimmo, just as you’re saying your fellow Mets fans are. Nimmo could be valuable offensively, but he’s never on the field to do so. It makes a lot more sense to trade him and hope some other team believes he can stay healthy. He has some value, but he’s not going to net a starting position player without some additional pieces.
Agree with you 1000%!!!
Never been on the field to do so? He’s not even injury prone he’s only dealt with 1 injury in his career lol
After his call-up year: 69, 140, 69, 55/60
Doesn’t exactly scream that he’s consistently on the field because he’s played a single full season, does it? Also, you’re talking about a bulging disc in his neck that could very well flare up at any time during his career.
Nimmo is valued way too high by our fanbase. That’s really all there is to it. He’s an above average corner OF or a fantastic 4th OF in a loaded roster.
I’m certain the Brewers would object to the Mets signing Lorenzo Cain as he still has two years left on his contract.
I dunno about that…they might want to get out from under that.
Not good on the base paths.
Nice move. There was no need to sign JBJ to a long term deal. Just put in Almora late in the game for defense.
It’s a shame there wasn’t a better all around center fielder available in free agency this off season 😉
Nimmo’s platoon partner
The Angels signed Lagares to a minors deal with an invite to ST. Maybe an Adell for pitching trade is in the works.
Sign Lagares so you can trade your top prospect? This is one reason you are not a GM.
That’s not how this works, that’s not how any of this works.
To be fair, the Angels need high level pitching more than they need Adell, and it’s not like they need either Lagares nor Adell to be any more than a bench player and backup this year now that they have Fowler.
redwine – There are many reasons why neither of us are GMs. We need pitching now. Adell can’t help now. Watching him in 2020 showed that he is not ready and may have been a bit oversold. Logic says trade Adell for some durable pitching for us to benefit now.
Being condescending does not make you right and me wrong. We can have a difference of opinion.
If I was Bradley, I might be getting a bit nervous.
if I was Bradley, I’d be calling teams and sending presentations with a resume and a discount card.
Absolutely true
Bradley to the Orioles on a 5/50 deal fits their budget and window. At worst you front end the deal and if he regresses then for the last 2-3 years you get a glove-first 4th OF/late innings defense guy for like 5-8 mill, not a bad move at all being Baltimore has no CF options.
Bradley played everyday over the 2019-20 seasons and had a .760 OPS. Why is everyone acting like he’s the worst player of all time? .760 OPS plus elite defense is a huge get for any team.
He’s not George Springer, and no one is comping them except weirdos on here.
The O’s are bad and are going to be bad. Why would they waste money on JBJ now?
He’s also been more good than elite defensively the last couple years.
His market is evaporating quickly. I don’t see a clear destination at this point. Boras has painted his client into a corner and will now have to accept the next best offer that comes in – 2 year deal most likely.
Now get Turner for 3b and Odorizzi for back end and still stay under threshold and they look good on paper
Turner and Odorizzi will put us over the LT. Turner gonna be asking for a decent amount
LOL Mets who need a starting CF. Missed on Springer and now JBJr is out also.
Nimmo is a poor CF and Dom Smith and JD Davis can’t play LF. Poor defense in LF & CF will lose games.
No, they will win 8-5 instead of 8-4, still going 154 and 0. This team is bonkers good. Will beat everyone easy.
You’re almost getting it. We are going to win every game. (102-60) We will out hit teams. And our pitchers are good enough to where our defense won’t affect them enough for us to lose.
Too many of our fellow Mets fans are fixated by the optics of Dom’s poor range and Brandon’s poor paths that they don’t see that the math of runs scored and runs allowed favors playing those two rather than benching one and putting a glove-first guy like JBJ in center. I don’t know. Were they teased all last season by Yankee fans comparing the fielding of Smith and Nimmo to Gardner and Hicks?
Oh, I’m totally going to hold onto this prediction. 102-60. We’ll see.
Being a poor CF doesn’t = being an unplayable CF. Almora is there for late innings moves when Nimmo will slide to LF. You contradict yourself by saying “Poor defense in LF & CF will lose games.” yes and late in the game those positions will be played by Nimmo and Almora, who are not poor defenders at those spots.
Its almost like you dont understand that late innings defensive substitutions dont exist. Interesting…
I certainly understand defensive substitutions but the Mets lack a starting CF which was a position of need. They didn’t need a rental SS and got beaten on Springer. Conforto is a FA at year end. Not a winning roster IMO and this should have been better thought out.
If Nimmo is injured as he often is, who plays CF and LF?
The Mets lineup is so good that if Nimmo gets hurt they could get away with almora hitting. I wouldn’t worry.
Nimmo can’t hit LH pitching. He has one tool really, he walks alot and therefore has a high OBP. He has a really weak arm and reads balls over his head badly. I don’t understand why pitchers walk him so much.
Pitchers walk him so much because he has something extremely rare for MLB hitters over the last 20 years: patience at the plate. He also doesn’t mind getting HBP which pisses off MLB pitchers so they overcompensate by throwing inside. Nimmo is a rarity among all MLB players these days – he has no ego. His teammate McNeil is the same way.
When a hitter sucks at hitting, it’s logical to not swing…and not have an ego. He’s essentially using the same approach that Little League coaches have been telling their worst hitters for generations.
Coach (inside voice): “Oh crud, little Timmy who can’t hit water from the middle of the Atlantic is coming up.”
Coach (outside voice): “Come on Timmy, you can do it! Remember like we practiced. Crowd the plate and don’t swing until there’s two strikes…and even then, don’t swing at any borderline pitches! A walk is as good as a hit.”
Coach (inside voice while winking at nearby parents that know the truth): “Come on, the kid has no other way to help the team. He hurts the team when he swings the bat.”
[see Brandon Nimmo]
So now we know your name
Splits vs lefty pitching isn’t bad. Almora is a serviceable platoon CF bringing strong D. Good signing.
Seeing this isnt the most noteworthy signing and im bored this Sunday morning, let’s hijack this thread. I have another Blockbuster trade proposal after rethinking my Vlad for Bryce deal in a previous Phillies thread (I don’t forsee a Brewers or Jays topic today)
Brewers trade Yelich
Jays Trade Hernandez Groshans Manoah Kirk and another low level prospect of Brewers choosing
Jays get a much needed RF upgrade who bats LH, which is another area of need and take on the entire contract
Brewers get a replacement RF who can still hit and is cheap, NL central isn’t trying to be competitive anyway. They also receive a prospect package that could get the Jays a TOR pitcher but instead an MVP candidate to finish off what’s likely the best lineup in baseball at that point
Brewers can still try to appear to want to catch the Cards in the standings ( wild card isn’t coming out of the Central in either league) and get more prospects for Hader and accelate a rebuild if that fails
Jays shouldn’t be focused on the next “wave” of prospects. It’s Win now time. Groshans is blocked and Martin projects as better/more versatile (and likely untouchable). Manoah doesn’t fit as we can’t wait for him to develop, we need a TOR now and not in 2-4 years (plus SWR projects to be better and a quicker ETA). Kirk would suck to lose but for an MVP type player he probably needs to be included. That’s 3 top 100 prospects, too much or too little?
Thoughts baseball fans?
Does it help the Angels get pitching?
This comment is why Blue Jays fans dont deserve the internet.
Groshans is the only top 100 prospect in your ridiculous proposal, there is not 3 like you lie about, the Brewers just got Kolten Wong, they aren’t rebuilding like this trade suggests.
Fling all “bad fits on my team for a superstar” trade ideas into the sun.
If you want Yelich its Pearson, Martin, Bichette and more going back, which isnt happening, so stop wasting your time.
His take was ridiculous but so is yours Pearson, Martin & BICHETTE ?? Bichette is untouchable, the only player in the league that you can justify asking for Bichette is trout.
and, by ignoring the “which isnt happening” part of my comment, you once again keep proving my point that Jays fans dont deserve the internet.
I’m not a jays fan, but your package is ridiculous it wouldn’t take that much to get Yelich. He probably could be had though.
It would take more than that measly package! The Brewers are not trading Yelich for your garbage!
Come on, alc47. Bichette is a very good young player but he’s not only worth Trout in a trade. Tatis Jr. is a much better player than Bichette, as are 20+ other players in MLB not named Trout. (Soto, Acuna, etc..). And Martin hasn’t proven anything except that he can get drafted in the Top 5. That means nothing…Blue Jays should trade him and others for the right veteran, preferably a TOT pitcher.
Dorothy I don’t think anyone one the league is worth trout, I’m not saying he’s a top 20 players but I am saying his trade value is one of the highest in the league. I do however have to disagree with some of the stuff you said. Marin has a ton of trade value, being a top 5 pick is very valuable especially if everyone around the league agrees with his placement in the draft. He hasn’t proven anything you’re right but how many prospects without a ML at bat have ?
This. Excellent post, Marty. These ridiculous proposals are only comical fodder. They cannot be serious.
Sorry to offend you Marty, didn’t realize you took this so seriously lol
Lying? Groshans and Kirk are both top 100, I missed on Manoah, although you could replace him with SWR and the 3 top 100 is then 100% truthful.
Keep making yourself look silly tho brother, whatever helps you sleep better at night. I have broad shoulders, attack away lol
Yikes! Brewers don’t make that trade.
Counter offer is Arcia and three prospects for Bichette. Jays get replacement SS and three MLB top prospects.
@beer Its not even close to the same. The next 1-3 years are not bright for the Brewers even after signing Wong.
Cash in on their largest assets and be ready to take over once the Jays Yanks Dodgers Mets Padres etc start showing cracks
They aren’t contending this year or probably next. It’s a smarter baseball move
Jaysfan there is no reason for Yelich since the Jays signed Springer. Marty said Jays can’t sign big free agents but then again Marty and being accurate doesn’t belong in the same sentence.
All I suggest is proposals for pitching. As for Yelich, it really won’t take as much as people think to get him.
@Guest, I wouldn’t say there’s no reason, the big reason is he would be the ideal fit to displace Grichuk and Hernandez, he’s a better fit with the offense being LH and a much better bat while improving Defense immensely.
I dont particularly care if Marty flaps his gums, its mostly in one ear and out the other. He’s free to waste his time and take as many shots as possible towards me.
Im more interested in hearing real fans takes on what would be a fair proposal, its not like blockbusters don’t happen. Alot of GMs and owners seem to be in tank mode (especially in the Central divisions). I dont think it’s that far fetched
Jaysfan you make my point. Your proposal involves Hernandez but it brings back Yelich, leaving the 4 OF issue standing. Also leaves the pitching situation in disarray.
But many Jays fans do not want to part with Teoscar to fix the pitching problem.
Yelich on BTV is rated at 2.2. Part of that is contract-related. Your proposal should look more like this:
Yelich for Grichuk, Manoah and Hiraldo. Yelich acquisition won’t take as much as you think. Nolan Arenado trade makes that case.
Is it just a coincidence that Steve Cohen had to come up with two billion dollars to fund one of his hedge funds and Trevor Bauer wound up with the Dodgers? Just sayin’.
no. he didnt outbid for Springer so it was clear he wasnt going to simply outbid for anyone on the market.
“Sandy” didn’t outbid for springer. Cohen would gladly do it if his gm told him it was the right move. Bluejays wouldn’t be able to outbid them if they truly wanted springer. The Mets were smart. 3 years from now he’ll be overplayed and have 3 more years.
@MetsFan22 I agree with all this, but what’s interesting to me is the Mets weren’t willing to outbid for Springer, but were for Bauer. I would argue Springer helps the team more. So I was a bit confused by the change in direction. Not insulting Cohen here as it’s hard to argue the Mets fantastic offseason.
Yeah I’m with you on that.
One has nothing to do with the other
I’m still thinking that they should’ve traded one of their three corners OFs for a legit CF.
They potentially still could if they can find the right trade partner this close to Spring Training. Meanwhile, signing Almora as a late inning defensive replacement is a decent Plan B.
@JoeBrady I can still see this happening at the deadline.
Almora was fun to watch and a great clubhouse guy. Although he had every chance to win the starting everyday cf job, his bat couldn’t produce. Wish him luck.
Uncle Steve started out very well, but has faded fast. McCann was an overpay at a needed position and May a relatively good RP. Then – broke with the position of not trading from the player capital to get a excellent rental SS and a good SP. Noe he got stuck in the middle of the street. He shifted to win now moves with Lindor, but didn’t follow through strongly with Bauer or Springer. No DH makes LF a defensive mess along with similar issues in CF.
McCann is now the only longterm piece and CBT pressure is mounting. The team is counting on Smith, Alonzo and Davis for additional production as they try to catch Atlanta,SD and LAD. They then need the SP behind DeGrom to be a Playoff Level Rotation if they get out of the NL East.
That all looks like a bridge too far. They can be a good team with a very high payroll, but its hard to see them getting a ring unless everything goes right.
Hopefully Mets Get Cain.
Better than Bradley. I would have preferred to bring Marisnick back but this guy was once a hitter and at 26 could get it back. Now sign Walker or Odorizzi.
why do they have so much 30 man space
*40
They don’t. They are at 40 now so they will have to cut someone. I hope it’s Heredia. Almora would be an upgrade for Heredia – 4th, maybe 5th, outfielder
This is another one of the guys that cub fans bragged about part of the dynasty
Helped win a world series, he’ll always be a Cub to me. Three nlcs appearances in a row.
Been a while for the Mets.
I’m a man who always looks foward not backwards. I’m much happier with the Mets outlook rn than then the Cubs outlook. It’s really not close.
I’d really prefer JBJ over this guy but considering the guy wants 4 years based on good showing during a 60 game season, I understand.
This stings a bit watching the Mets make a drop in the bucket move after missing out on Bauer (can’t really blame them if they offer more and he still goes elsewhere, Mets never actually seemed like an option and felt like a way to drive up his price with the Dodgers. Once they hit their cap and Mets didn’t go even further it was done.)
This just makes me hope Mets can swing a trade for a good 3B like Bryant (who I’m not exactly sold on) or less likely but more blockbuster-y, going for the combo of Suarez and Castillo.
Wish I could agree but this lineup is not built to win. I would much rather have JBJ as an everyday player despite the cost – he is just flat out a better player. The Mets need an everyday outfielder since they will no doubt lose Conforto after the season – Boras won’t let him sign an extension and based on what we have seen of Cohen and Alderson they won’t spend what they need to in order to resign him.
Been a fan of Almora’s since low A ball (local team). Hoping he can rebound. The tools are there, just hasn’t put it all together. At minimum, he will be an above average 4th OF and late inning substitute. At best, borderline all star.
Tools are all there? You mean his below average footspeed? His weak inaccurate arm? His poor baserunning instincts? Or his otherworldly bat to ball skills?
Being a Philly fan I’m all for the Mets making bad moves, but this is better than signing JBJ to a ridiculous 4-5 yr deal (which I believe he’s holding out hope for). Still don’t understand why Cohen didn’t pony up the extra bucks to get Springer since I’d have to believe he’d prefer to be in NY than wherever the heck Toronto is gonna be playing this year.
If there is no DH, then I like this move.
If there is a DH, then who is playing LF/CF (I’m assuming Smith at 1B most days)?
If there’s a DH, then it’s an even better deal, since they can just start Almora in CF, Nimmo in LF, and Smith at DH. They could afford to put up with Almora’s bat in the starting lineup if all 3 of the other outfielders are also in the lineup.
I don’t know that they can afford to Almora as an every day hitter.
And Nimmo’s bat is a lot less special playing a corner OF spot.
Beginning of the offseason, Mets fans were all over realmuto, Springer and Bauer all signing with their team… instead its McCann and Almora lmao… ok now I do have to give the Mets credit for Lindor and Carrasco… but free agency has been a huge bust. So much for Cohen being an all in owner like Y’all Mets fans thought
I think this move is about a 6-6.5 out of 10. I’m not going to be like a lot of Mets fans and whine that it’s a terrible move, I think it has a lot of upside to be honest, but it definitely comes as a pretty weak consolation prize for being on the outside of signing multiple superstars. In my opinion it was really weird that Mets decided to be ultra aggressive with their payroll with the last huge name on the board; they missed out on signing Springer for less than what they offered Bauer and they missed out on a wet dream of an infield by trading for Arenado also spending less money than they would on Bauer (would’ve likely been able to offer less than the Cards did too if they were willing to eat more money). This offseason has been in no way poor for the Mets but it has been really WEIRD, and honestly, who can ask anything more from the Mets than being a confusing team. When they aren’t making bad moves they’re at least making head-scratching moved overall.
Wish I could agree but this lineup is not built to win. I would much rather have JBJ as an everyday player despite the cost – he is just flat out a better player. The Mets need an everyday outfielder since they will no doubt lose Conforto after the season – Boras won’t let him sign an extension and based on what we have seen of Cohen and Alderson they won’t spend what they need to in order to resign him. McCann is not an everyday catcher – one decent year and even Chicago didn’t believe in him – they signed Grandal when they had the opportunity. Sorry but too many picks up off the scrap heap and not one winner in the lineup. Would not be surprised if Lindor walks after this season as well.
If Conforto wants to stay in NY and sign an extension, Boras will absolutely allow him to do that. Just look at Xander Boegarts in Boston. He signed a below-market extension thru Boras because he wanted to be there. As greedy as Boras can be, he does what his clients want him to do.
No fooling! Doesn’t seem like they want to build a winner – just save money
jbc1972
You’re a baseball fan who pays attention, but Uncle Steve is playing chess to your checkers.
He has to undo the institutional damage done by the Wilpons including rebuilding a FO, a farm system, as well,investing in Analytics and player development systems
You are looking at just the current on the field MLB team. His approach is to use his financial resources while rebuilding the organization and not losing draft picks and young players. What does that mean? He can’t buy all of the big name FA due to CBT penalties among them draft implications. So he was never going in on more than one of that type of player.
If the Metsies were a Springer away from being a true WS Contender he would have been signed even at the overpaid contract Toronto gave him. Nuance- without the DH the Metsies had no place for Smith or Alonso with Springer in CF. So Springer’s value to the Mets was diluted by pushing one of them to the bench and they would still lose a draft pick. Further if there is a work stoppage in 2022 and maybe a DH afterwards it puts Springer at the point where he’s not really a good CF anymore and the team has the same void up the middle. Uncle Steve will overpay when needed, but not at the further expense of losing strategic advantages and assets.
NYM were never getting Bauer if the LAD offer was even close. Bauer played them to push LA into an offer that he found acceptable – basically a 3rd year in case he got hurt or just sucked. If SD was quieter in the trade/ FA market then LA might not have had the motivation to compete with NYM, but it didn’t happen that way.
Enjoy the ride- Metsies will be a lot more fun to watch and could get into the playoffs or win the division if things go well. They have a puncher’s chance to win a WS if they get elite SP (think Nats) in the playoffs either of the next two years. No guarantees they even get there as Atlanta is still more proven right now
You have some valid points on the farm system and I agree. My CF concern about Springer is about losing Conforto – Boras is a crapshoot on extensions. If he walks the Mets don’t have a good bonfire OF
Trying to stay positive but I don’t see much improvement over the team that finished 4th last year. Still feel like Linder just replaces Cano in the lineup
The off season has been a let down, bust is too strong a term though especially since they shocked the rest of MLB in obtaining Lindor for so little. They didn’t need to trade for Lindor, they had pieces had short with Gimenez, who I believe will turn into a Fernando Vina type hitter and he plays good defense. Not getting Springer is the most disappointing part of the off season though he got more than he deserved with Toronto but I’m not knocking Toronto…they have a good team that will give the Yankees a run for the AL east.
Give the guy a chance…. why pay a lot of money for someone who gets hurt. Center fielder is a tough position on body. He’s cheap and great defender
Almora is the epitome of a 4th outfielder.
He used to be a better hitter, but hasn’t been the same since hitting the kid with a foul ball a few years ago. Good glove, not much of an arm. Good guy, but at this point, a stretch to call him your 4th outfielder. I hope he can turn it around with the Mets.
Either Steve has lost his fandom of the Mets or his marbles.
As a Cubs fan, I’m happy for AA. Was a good defender, although took some weird/questionable routes at times to balls, but overall, I think he is a good defender. Offensively though, not great. Ever since the foul ball, I think it got into his head and he cannot shake that, (which would be hard to do)!! Good luck Albert. Hope you do good.
About a week ago I posted that the Mets’ signing of Aaron Loup was a good move. You don’t build a team around him, but he’s a nice piece to have. The same could be said about Albert Almora. He’s not great player, but he’s a better defensive centerfielder than Nimmo and he might turn it around with the bat. This is a low risk type of signing. If he doesn’t play well, he won’t meet the incentives. Not every signing has to be an impact player. Secondary players matter too.
I don’t know the details of the deal but I kind of like this move by the Mets. They needed a RH hitting OFer who could start vs LHP’s and move Nimmo to a corner spot in the late innings. Jackie Bradley is holding out for a 4 or 5 yr deal at over $10M. I think that would have been a bad signing by the Mets and Bradley is a LHH. Almora is better than competent defensively and usually gets his bat on the ball.
I saw the move by the Angels to get the similar Juan Lagares off the scrap heap this morning. Though he played in only 2 MLB games for the Mets in 2020 before being DFA’d in August, Lagares played in 23 winter league games in the Dominican Republic, batting .283 (26 for 95), and he has hit two homers in the Caribbean Series. I guess that was enough to peak the Angels’ interest.
Albert Almora will not be on the Mets roster beyond the month of May. His bat has gotten that bad! Do you really think the Cubs would pass on this guy if he was a viable option if only as a defender? This is the kind of dumpster diving they are looking for. Almora is done!
Good for him. He can’t hit. A change of scenery will do him good. He’s an underrated fielder though. Always maybe great plays in CF.
Mets Fans (and I’m one of them)–this move is fine. We all knew a depth signing was coming for a defensive minded CF and ideally one that hits right-handed. He checks these boxes and this will be a cheap deal.
Did you really want them to give 3+ years to JBJ? Come on he isnt worth close to what Boras will con some team into giving him.
There are still some good value BP arms out there. Take a chance on a guy like rosenthal or jeffress for depth, and then find another SP. I’m not keen on giving Odorizzi multiple years, but any of rich hill, taijuan walker or paxton will be fine.
Wish I could agree but this lineup is not built to win. I would much rather have JBJ as an everyday player despite the cost – he is just flat out a better player. The Mets need an everyday outfielder since they will no doubt lose Conforto after the season – Boras won’t let him sign an extension and based on what we have seen of Cohen and Alderson they won’t spend what they need to in order to resign him. McCann is not an everyday catcher – one decent year and even Chicago didn’t believe in him – they signed Grandal when they had the opportunity. Sorry but too many picks up off the scrap heap and not one winner in the lineup. Would not be surprised if Lindor walks after this season as well.
Disagree on a few points. If anything Cohen and Alderson have shown they WILL do what they need to in order to keep players like Lindor and Conforto. Think about it. If you sign Springer for 6/150 or Bauer for 3/105 they almost certainly would not be able to keep Lindor and Conforto. They didn’t sign either of those people. They simply chose Conforto for example over Springer. It is rare but Boras clients do sign extensions (Strasburg’s original deal being one).
I hear your argument about McCann, but honestly Grandal got benched in the WS. They simply didnt want to wait on Realmuto…and again, thats fine. Hes a 31ish year old catcher who likely wont be catching for that whole deal.
Lindor isnt walking. He will be signed in the next few weeks as will conforto…just watch…
@Elford, Realmuto probably wanted to stay with Philly so he shot his leverage to hell by hinting he didn’t want to play in NY for either the Mets or Yankees; that and his contract demands were a bit high for his age… We shall see how his health holds up with rigors of catching over the age of 30 and that creaky hip of his!
@dbrad This post is nuts. Where is all the pessimism and negativity coming from? If anything moves like this tell me Cohen is sure to lock up Lindor, Conforto, Syndeergaard on co. They just offered Bauer the highest annual contract in MLB history. Cohen is willing to spend, and he will. Geez Louise. All the money they saved with Bauer will be filtered through extensions. The Mets had one of the best offseasons in their history and fans are still complaining.
Excellent post Von, as usual. All good points
dbrad, Why all the negativity? Is that what baseball brings to your life? If so, then you probably need to walk away. Championships aren’t built in one offseason. These things take time. The Mets have many holes to fill even beyond the Major League roster. Give the new regime credit for trying to build the right way by investing in the organization from the bottom up while also trying to remain competitive. That’s the right way to do it. It’s how the World Champion Dodgers have done it.
Also, remember that championships are few and far between. Following a baseball team is about more than just winning the World Series. Not winning the title or even missing the playoffs entirely does not mean a season is a failure. A team with a losing record can have a successful season. My dad was born in 1919 and died in 2003. He never saw his Red Sox win a World Series (notice those dates). There were some agonizing disappointments. But not seeing his team win it all didn’t make his fan experience less joyful.
In being a baseball fan, It’s not the championships that matter most, it’s watching a team and individuals try to be the best they can be. Baseball is every day. As in real life, it’s more about overcoming obstacles and disappointments than winning. That is what the sport teaches us. Most people in life never win their World Series. Does that mean their life is a failure? Absolutely not! Fans live and die with their team. When it comes to championships, the dying and disappointment far outweigh the living. Such is baseball. Such is life. You do the best you can and live to see another day.
Who knows? Maybe the Mets defy the odds and win it all in 2021. There’s also a chance they never win another World Series in your lifetime. Would you be okay with the latter? If not, then you need to walk away and find your joy elsewhere.
I agree on some points – definitely not disappointed on the Bauer front – he is way over priced. And I hope you are right about Conforto signing an extension – Boras does not have the reputation that gives me any comfort – that’s why I would have liked to have Springer locked up. But if Conforto and Lindor are extended, it would be a win. Still not convinced about McCann but fingers crosses. Still think JBJ is a better bet even for the money he wants – he can hit and play great defense. Not as concerned about so many lefties – that’s what we had with Cano
Don’t really like this move. Seems like they may be done looking for a CFr now and I don’t think this guy is gonna cut it.
I agree – may as well have kept Marisnik. Not sure if these guys have a viable plan. Still say JBJ would be a better bet
After having an off season of going all in why cheap out now and not sign JBJ.
Because he is a career .239 hitter that had an unusually good year (.283) in the walk year of his deal which also happened to be a shortened season. .239 hitters don’t get 3-5 year deals at 10mil per. Boras will sucker someone, but luckily it doesn’t look like it’ll be Cohen
Relying on one data point, like average, is a terrible to assess someone’s offense. For example, Almora’s career batting average is way, way higher than Gallo’s. Do you consider Almora a better hitter than Gallo?
Too bad Brett gardner is not a RH hitter I think he’d be one of the best defensive of ‘ers on the Mets
Hoping this is a change of scenery bounce back situation for Almora. He was well on his way to being a GG caliber CF and decent hitter until Maddon ruined him in the leadoff role and the foul ball incident took a big toll on him mentally. That’s just a testament to his character and being a young dad himself.
He also messed with his swing a few years in a row and it just seemed to set him back more. Toward the end of 2019 he looked like a little leaguer out there, just clueless at the plate.
I’m hoping Rojas fan platoon and give him favorable matchups like Joe did in 2017 when he was flirting with the batting title.
Thanks Albert for that brilliant tag up at 1st, all the highlight reels, you’re fearlessness of the Ivy and what was underneath, and most importantly robbing Yadier of that bomb he hit and leaving him with that expression!
Hopefully
He good
Congrats to Mets fans being rid of an ownership that didn’t spend “like a NY team”. only cared about grabbing headlines and attention from the Yanks, falsely made you feel like they’ll sign studs only to sign clearance rack players, allowed leadership moves that come back to embarrass to organization, or tricked anyone into drinking the Kool-Aid. This offseason has proven that those days are gone.
Actually, the entire NL East will be fun to watch this year. The Nats are probably the most improved team, the Braves are the Braves, the Marlins have good pitching and won’t be a team to take lightly, the Phils re-signed Realmuto, and the Mets largely fixed their pitching issues and upgraded at SS. I wouldn’t hazard to guess to see how the teams shake out in the standings,
Cohen seems to have made a big mistake hiring Alderson. The Mets first move was to sign McCann a projected 1..0 War instead of the best catcher in baseball Realmuto 3.7 WAR. They hire Porter and they get Lindor, a great move. Porter is then fired. They miss out on Springer the 3rd best centerfielder 3.7 WAR. and fall short on getting Bauer. Hindsiight being 20/20., Bauer was using the Mets to get more out of the Dodgers. The Mets would have been much better off getting Realmuto, Springer, and Lindor setting them up with 3 star players who are near the best at their positions. They won’t be able to get this kind of quality in up coming years, and will have more competition. They are a contender, but might be waisting another year of de Grom.
@slider32 Agreed, except wrt Lindor. Obviously he makes the Mets better, but they didn’t need a SS w so many holes on the roster, and they didn’t need to spend $21.5m on the 3 win upgrade Lindor represented, particularly not when Arenado was available on a 25m AAV at a position the Mets desperately need help at, both short and long term.
I noticed that, too, that Realmuto is 3-4 wins better than McCann for just $13m more in salary and a contract only one year longer. That was a foolish mistake by Alderson, who also seems chronically unable to understand that their is also a BACK half to the rotation. The Mets for example needed a strong upgrade in their #4 slot, especially with the uncertainty surrounding all of Carrasco, Stroman, and Syndergaard. At least one of those three are going to be done or ineffective by the postseason, so who is going to be their #3 or #3 and 4 starters in October? Joey Lucchesi, fgs?
Yes, but Portor was the GM when they signed Lindor
Not relevant, my friend. The deal was all Alderson. Besides, given their desire to sign Lindor to a 250m-300m deal, the initial trade would have been approved (had it not been instigated, which it was) by both Alderson and Cohen.
Especially w payroll close to maxing out, apparently, dealing away your ONLY promising, cheap starting position player is a mistake. Compound that with Arenado available for little but money and it’s an epic blunder..
But, as many have said, typical Alderson. This is what he does.
Crazy how we can pick out good things from the little guy because? Its feel good
Crazy how its easy to talk **** about the billionaire because??? He’s the big bad billionaire.
Talk all you want, I still rather be the big bad billionaire. Love you you all.
Money talks, nobody walks! Dennison.
Its funny, when Cohen took over the Mets all Mets fans saw were dollar signs and started playing fantasy Baseball and the Mets were going to sign Realmuto, Springer, Bauer and anyone else in the top 10 free agents list. Fast forward to today and while yes they traded for Lindor and Carrasco there is no JTR, no Springer, no Bauer, not even JBJ (they are rumored to be out on him). But hey, you’ve got Almora!
Once Sandy was brought back we knew the dream was over.
Yes, and that would have been their core up the middle for years to come. Now if Lindor goes to free agency, they will be in trouble next year.
@JBC1972, Bust is too strong a term for the Mets off season…has it been a letdown? I won’t deny that but the Mets did shock the rest of MLB with the Lindor acquisition for so little. They didn’t need to make that trade though as I believe Gimenez would have developed into a Fernando Vina type hitter with good glove for Short with Mauricio waiting in the wings.. Not getting Springer was the bigger disappointment, not so much Bauer. If he opts out in 2 years, he will have much less negotiating leverage as the Mets won’t be involved, I am sure the Yankees will have addressed their pitching shortcomings as well and the Dodgers might want to get out from under the luxury tax. Ms. Luba will then have to reap what she sowed!
@the noid The Mets didn’t get Lindor “for so little,” though.
The presence of Carrasco in the deal complicates matters, but at the heart of the matter Lindor projects to about a 5.3 fWAR player who will be paid $22.3m in 2021.. If at the top of the market FAs are still getting $8m-9m per win, that means Lindor on average is giving the Mets about $23m in surplus value during the upcoming season.
That’s good, but it’s not an extraordinary amount. There’s a decent chance Kolten Wong, who the Brewers just signed for 2/18m will beat that over the next two years.
In any case, over the next three years alone Giminez will only need to give Cleveland 3 wins to equal Lindor’s surplus value in 2021, given how low Giminez’s salary will be in 2021, 2022, and 2023. 3 wins is what any respectable backup MI will deliver, never mind if Giminez turns out to be a decent starter at SS.
Overall? That’s hard to say given Lindor’s decline over 2019 and 2020 and what the Mets will be buying if they sign Lindor for 8/250m. The Mets surely could have gotten Arenado for Giminez and some very fringy minor leaguers to keep Rockies fans from rioting.
Could the Mets then have gotten Carrasco for Rosario, Wolf, and Greene?
I doubt it. Carrasco had leukemia in 2019 but recovered beautifully in 2020. If the above scenario is correct, then CLE couldn’t have gotten 5 years of Giminez straight up for 1 year of Lindor. Cheers,
I’m hoping the plan for this guy is late game defense only. I’d rather stick with Smith Nimmo Conforto than to see this guy in the starting lineup.
.Hope for the DH, and Smith and Alonso can DH.
a few years ago, a foul ball off the bat of Albert Almora struck and critically injured a young fan in the stands, and he has never been the same since.
Agreed. Hopefully Almora is able turn that difficult corner. I wish the guy the best. I believe he will have a nice season when all is said and done. Much like Schwarber with the Nats. I believe both players will benefit from a change of scenery.
Almora is AAA bound or gone by opening day.
yeah it seems Almora is just filler until someone else who is better becomes available!
No, you don’t sign those guys to major league deals.
yup.
He’s fine as the 26th man or AAA depth in the event of an outfield injury.
This dude rakes and hits bombs!
Almora might make a decent FIFTH OFer, but his defense was only plus in one year out of 5, and his bat is dismal.
You don’t get a guy who can’t hit and isn’t a stellar OFer as anything except the last guy on the bench (or stashed in AAA if you’re serious about contending, but this is a major league deal,).
This is a typical Alderson move, half-arsing it wrt the last half of the roster the same way he does with the pitching staff. The 2021 Mets will be giving half their starts to Joey Lucchesi, Peterson, Sam McWilliams, Yamamoto, and a rehabbing Syndergaard.
Great work, Sandy.
DeGrom, Carrasco, Stroman, Peterson, and Syndergaard/Lucchesi.will be a very good rotation.
@jackstrawb. What contending team doesn’t try to stock the last 2 roster spots with major league vets as depth pieces? Remember, most of the Mets younger talent (25 or younger) is already up at the major league level. That means most of AA and AAA is probably thin. Think of these moves as upgrading the 40 man roster rather than major league game changers.
I didn’t realize how cheap he was. At $1.25M, that’s almost nothing. It’s hard to imagine not turning out okay.
My preference would still have been to flip Nimmo for a legit CF of equal value.
Money talks, nobody walks! Dennison.
Strange. With Kolten Wong and Ha-Seong Kim available, cheap, the Mets could have gotten either for 2B and left McNeil in LF, improving their overall defense especially with GG’er Wong by about 20 runs.
They also could have gotten Kim for 3B and kept JD Davis on the bench, where he belongs, a RH on base machine .who may bring plus power depending on the year, also improving defense by about 20 runs.
Instead, crickets.
Well, and replacement level “glove” guy Albert Almora, Jr. But, hey, we did get to enjoy these fiascos:
— “Nobody wanted to GM a team in the largest market in NA sports. People are mean,” narrative.
— The Jared Porter Story. Another brilliant job by Mr. Alderson!
McNeil didn’t play left field when he was out there. He was in right. Mets are picking up guys who give them center field options on defense. Sign enough guys and hopefully one of them step up and impress in spring training.
Smith, Nimmo and Conforto are the starting outfielders at this point in time barring injuries. Guys like Mallex Smith, Villar and Almora are vying for the 4th and 5th outfield/26th man roster spot.
Villar’s multiple position experience, plus speed and extra base potential gives him the upper hand.
Guillermo might be the odd man out, unfortunately. But he’s probably also the first call up if help is needed on the infield.
I expect him to spend most of the season at AAA unless the we experience injuries or Covid quarantines. It’s a 40 man roster move upgrade. Think of it as he’s taking Tebo’s spot at AAA. Feel better?
Albert Almora not just a leader but a perfect team guy NY needs that from a guy looking in After Cepeda & Wright injuries has out there leaders on the bench Albert that type of leader but his bat got to help
Wow. I’m afraid I don’t understand any of that. Sorry, must be a bad connection here.
Almora is a great player. I think Maddon maligned the kid as opposed to developing him. I remember Albert was leading the NL in hitting and then Joe started benching him. When the Cubs faltered in 2019, Joe came out publically blaming the kid for team losses. I hope he responds to the Mets invite. The kid deserves a better chance than what the Cubs gave him.