Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns spoke to reporters (including The Athletic’s Tim Britton as well as both Mike Puma and Joel Sherman of the New York Post) today about the club’s plans headed into the Winter Meetings, with a particular focus on potential offensive additions. Stearns indicated that the club’s main focus on the positional side of things is finding an addition to outfield who would play regularly. That’s hardly a surprise, as New York has been connected to recently-posted KBO star Jung Hoo Lee and veteran center fielder Michael A. Taylor in recent days.
After shipping veteran corner bats Mark Canha and Tommy Pham out at the trade deadline over the summer, the club relied primarily on a mix of DJ Stewart, Jeff McNeil, Tim Locastro, and Rafael Ortega to flank center fielder Brandon Nimmo in the corners. Locastro and Ortega have since become free agents, and while Stewart appears ticketed for a bench role next season. Veteran outfielder Starling Marte is expected to patrol right field on a regular basis in 2024 after spending much of the second half on the injured list due to groin issues.
That leaves one outfield spot left to fill, as Stearns acknowledged to reporters today that the club’s preference is for the versatile McNeil to act as the club’s regular second baseman next season. Lee and Taylor could be of particular interest to the Mets if the club hopes to improve its outfield defense, as either addition could allow Nimmo to slide over to left field while taking over in center. Speculatively speaking, the likes of Kevin Kiermaier and Harrison Bader could be other glove-first options worth considering for the Mets this offseason.
If the Mets secure an additional regular for their outfield as planned, it would appear their infield mix is relatively set for the 2024 season. Stearns has previously indicated that he expects first baseman Pete Alonso to remain with the Mets headed into the year, and Francisco Lindor has long been entrenched as the club’s franchise shortstop. With McNeil returning to everyday play at second base, that leaves third as the club’s only question mark on the infield.
Despite the position’s relative uncertainty, Stearns made clear that the Mets are comfortable with their internal options at the hot corner and do not plan on adding additional options to the club’s mix, which currently includes youngsters Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, and Ronny Mauricio as well as recent addition Joey Wendle. Sherman suggests that the club views Wendle as a utility man, suggesting he’s more likely to be ticketed for a bench role with the club than the opening day job at third base. That would leave Baty, Vientos, and Mauricio headed into spring training with a shot at taking over as the club’s regular third baseman. For his part, Stearns suggested that there’s no internal favorite between that trio for the position.
Baty was the club’s starting third baseman for much of the 2023 season but struggled to a .216/.281/.331 slash line in 318 trips to the plate before the club decided to option him back to Triple-A in early August. Baty returned to the big league club in September but saw his struggles continue as he slashed an anemic .194/.216/.292 during the season’s final month. Still, as a former first-round pick and consensus top-30 prospect in the game with a career .981 OPS at the Triple-A level, it’s easy to see why the club could be willing to give Baty another shot as the regular third baseman in his age-24 season next year. That’s especially true given Baty’s .300 xwOBA in 2023, which greatly outstripped his actual production this season, which left him with a meager .266 wOBA.
Vientos, 24 next week, had a torrid first half with the club’s Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse this season, posting an incredible .306/.387/.612 slash line while clubbing 16 home runs and 21 doubles in 61 games. The strong offensive performance earned Vientos a regular role with the club from late July through the end of the season, but Vientos struggled to a .220/.261/.399 slash line with a 31% strikeout rate in those 184 late-season plate appearances. In addition to Vientos’s struggles at the plate, the youngster is viewed as the weakest defender of the trio in the running for regular reps at third base next season, meaning his bat would likely need to take a significant step forward for the Mets to rely on him as their regular third baseman entering next year.
Mauricio, who won’t celebrate his 23rd birthday until April, is both the youngest of the trio and the most inexperienced at the big league level. Once considered a top-50 prospect in the league, Mauricio’s star lost some of its shine after a rough 2022 season where he posted an OBP of just .296 at the Double-A level. Fortunately for Mauricio, his 2023 performance helped to quell doubts about his ability as he slashed a much stronger .292/.346/.506 in 116 games with Syracuse this season. That earned him a brief call-up to the big leagues this season, though he struggled to a .248/.296/.347 slash line in his first 108 trips to the plate against big league pitching. One advantage Mauricio could have in a camp battle against Baty and Vientos is his glove, as Mauricio has more than 3,000 innings of experience at shortstop in the minor leagues and sports an excellent throwing arm that should allow him to handle a transition to regular time at the hot corner without much issue.
I don’t know.
Yeah I was taken aback by that sentence as well. Mr Deeds has all the tools required to become a good writer but he needs more reps!
My comment was in reference to Abbott and Costello. I don’t know … third base!
I keep hearing conflicting reports on JH Lee’s defensive abilities.
He’s really good, Gold Glove potential in COF, imo. I don’t think he’ll be the amongst the best CF in MLB, but he’d be serviceable at worst with excellent potential to get better.
You have seen enough of him to have that opinion? I’ve heard solid, not spectacular. I have only seen online highlights, so who knows?
I’ve seem a lot of KBO/Lee, plus he also looked real nice in the latest WBC. I would love Lee in RF for my Pads and Junior to CF, but most teams would probably opt to keep Lee in CF. He is solid, not flashy or super fast, but very athletic and capable. Lots of YouTube if anyone is interested – “the Korean Tony Gwynn”
I’ve heard he won the gold glove 5x times in the KBO.
But the ball there is a lot easier to catch, so who knows how that will translate.
Should translate quite well. Assume for the moment the awarding of the GG was legitimate—it means he’s the best defensive OFer in all of South Korea’s roughly 51 million people, plus foreigners playing there.
He won’t come to the U.S. and suddenly be below average, unless last season’s injury nags.
Soler!!
The Long Island loudmouths probably won’t approve – but correct me if I’m wrong, Baty, Vientos, and Mauricio were all top 100 prospects recently. Give them a freaking chance. PHI gave Bohm and Stott etc the time and there were bumpy moments, but now they are being rewarded. Maybe follow suit
They aren’t the first th struggle in their rookie seasons and won’t be the last. They all have a lot of talent and fans need to settle down on wanting to replace them.
I’m not sure if it’s the Long Island loudmouths, fans with PTSD from dealing with both the Wilpons and nasty Yankee fans, or the pseudo-journalist hosts on the FAN, but there are a lot of fans out there who are convinced that every prospect the Mets keep will flop and every one they trade will be great. It’s not based on anything real. Just a feeling, and they “feel” their opinions are as valid as ones based on, you know, information.
@10centBeerNight Baty and Vientos may well hit enough to play in MLB, but both of them along with Mauricio pro rated to more than 30 errors a season in the Mets system. The first two also regularly looked completely overmatched without ever looking capable in the field once they were promoted to the majors. It’s a problem.
It’s important to realize the Mets system is horrendous in the matter of teaching minor leaguers both to:
a) play a position, and
b) be ready for the pace of MLB
Consider: the Mets had a total of 22 years, combined, to teach just one of Baty, Vientos, Mauricio, and JD Davis to play 3B adequately.
They failed in every case. They didn’t even recognize that Davis was one of the better fielding 3Bmen in the league, which SF recognized immediately. (Top 9% by OAA in 2023.) Nor did they have the very modest amount of brains required to put Mauricio at one of 2B or 3B prior to 2023 despite knowing no later than the 2020-21 offseason he’d rarely play SS in the majors. Nor did they make any real effort to deal him. They simply have had no idea to date how to put their minor leaguers in a position to succeed, finally only moving Mauricio off SS in 2023, but then they put him in LF for 23 games because, hey, why not? Maybe he can figure out how to play the IF by watching from the OF. They ended up playing him in LF and at SS as often in AAA in 2023 as they did at 2B.
Did they somehow think Mauricio would learn to play 3B, or learn to turn DPs from the other side while watching from SS? It’s unfathomable. If these three young players fail a lot of the blame will surely belong to the organization. And now of course after thinking the main alternatives for Mauricio in 2023 in AAA were LF and 2B, he’ll be their primary 3B candidate between himself, Baty and Vientos. Truly ridiculous.
Presumably Stearns will do far better in this regard (anyone could), but it remains to be seen.
This is so sadly true… and frankly unacceptable their minor league development, particularly defensively, has been so poor
Very well written comment and very true.
I thought Mauricio looked better than the other two at third. Vientos is nothing more than a DH and maybe an occasional start at first.
Agreed.
He’s a New Yorker. He’s ready
This time next year, if the Mets don’t win a title, the entitled New York fans will be calling for this Stearns guys head on a spike. He’ll soon find out he’s not in Milwaukee/Kansas anymore.
They’re supposedly just aiming for competitiveness next season. I’m just hoping for decent improvements.
Back in 2020:
“If we don’t win a World Series in 3-5 years, that would be disappointing.”
Has it been 5 years yet?
Do you really think they’ll be winning one in the next two years?
Probably not. Reality is full of disappointment. I’m just happy we have an owner that wants to win. Are you always posting on Mets news because there’s never much Marlins news?
Mets planning on losing 99 games this year.
They will be in the playoffs.
Ha ha. You have the Mets confused with your Mariners! Mets take a WC in 24! Take it to the bank.
I’ll take it to the bank that after you made this prediction, you will not be around when it goes wrong.
Why do you take so much time posting about the Mets and not much about the Marlins?
I actually do both. One as a fan of the Marlins. And the other because I like comedy, which the Mets always provide.
Because A) he’s obsessed. Imagine posting on literally every article about a team you hate for almost a decade. B) there’s never anything to post about the Marlins.
C) I’m a fan of the Mets comedy. Funnier than anything on Broadway and SNL.
Yes the Marlins have been a quality organization for quit some time now.
2 championships in far less years than the Mets have won theirs seems to be pretty nice. I know it’s been a long championship drought for us the last 20 seasons, but it could be worse. We could be one of those teams that hasn’t won a championship in 37 years.
I’ll always be around, Fish Face! Unlike the… wait for it…1.1 million fan base of that “great” Wild Card team of yours ths year! Woo hoo Miami! Way to love on your team! Y’all gave the Oakland A’s a run for their money in lowest MLB attendance.
You realize the Marlins have the lowest winning percentage in major league history. They are literally the worst year to year organization in baseball history.
We took over CitiField in that last series. But that isn’t much considering that your loyal, dedicated fanbase tuned out since May 1st.
@Mets6986??
You realize that the Marlins won two championships in far less years than the Mets? They literally have had the most championship success of any expansion team since they are tied for the most championships with the Mets, Astros, Blue Jays, and Royals…while having done so in far less years of existence.
2 championships in 31 seasons >>>>>>>> 2 championships in 62 seasons.
Averaging a championship every 15.5 seasons >>>>>>> Averaging a championship every 31 seasons.
6% frequency of championship seasons >>>>>>>>> 3% frequency of championship seasons
20-year championship drought <<<<<<<< 37-year championship drought
I love this game!
Sign Pikachu.
Did you just sneeze?
I think despite the comments, McNeil will indeed be in the OF come opening day. They may grab another outfielder, but counting on Marte to give you anything would be a mistake. He was horrendous last year.
I think it’ll be Baty at 3B, Mauricio at 2B, and Vientos as a fill in as needed for DH, 1B, or 3B. He’s not a good defender anywhere, but he’s technically versatile. McNeil in either LF or RF depending on who they sign with Marte as an option.
All of this is what my guess is initially for the team. They’ll rework it as needed if anyone struggles a lot.
I see your point but I think too many people are writing off Marte. In 2022, he was among the best players on the Mets. Once he injured his groin in the latter half of 2022 he hasn’t been the same. I’m hopeful that he’ll bounce back after the surgery, rehab and rest. Might need more days off to DH so I’m fine with it. Baty looked very shaky at 3B and cost the Mets some quick innings early in the season when the SP needed all the help they could get. They are all kids and think should be given more chances so we can continue to develop the foundation of long term success.
I agree. I might be writing off Marte too soon. I do think they need a plan in place, though. Like I said, I don’t think you can count on Marte. In other words, they should act as though he won’t contribute. If he does, great. If not, you’ve got options. McNeil’s versatility is key here. I thought he got better in the OF as the year went on.
I do think its noteworthy they have mauricio at 3b in winter ball (and he made three errors the other day… to go w four hits).
That’s interesting. Unfortunately, I really don’t know where else Baty can play. He was rough in the field last year but I don’t think that would get any better if he was in the OF. He lacks the range for 2B, too.
Yeah i get the feeling more and more he’ll be the odd man out even if his bat comes around
At least they have a plan. Last year was throwing money to see what sticks.
Heard Ichiro wants another shot at playing …
Ichiro is still completely DOMINANT as a player…when he’s playing against Japanese girls High school teams.
No matter the approach, the players that wind up there will generally fit the same mould & they will always be Mets. You will always need to pay way more than every other team to get any free agent to consider playing there. Thus, you are already self-selecting for contract year phenomenon players, players that are just aiming to strike it rich & coast.
Have you been introduced to Kodai Senga?
No but I watched Jason Bay for more years than anyone should be subject to
Scott Kingery can be had too, and Chase Utley for the take out at second base.
Vientos fan here. Rather spend $$ on pitching this winter and let him get major ABs as the DH instead of a Soler type FA
He started to get more comfortable at the plate as the year went on. Same thing happened at AA and AAA.
@mookiesboy He did not:
Vientos, seasonal 2023 OPS: .620
Vientos, Sept 6-Oct 1, OPS: .626
He can’t pitch…
I agree with the general sentiment of letting the kids play at 3rd, I don’t agree with the OF targets they are going after. They need a big bat in the corner to OF/DH, not another leadoff type OFer such as Lee or Taylor. Bellinger or Soto should be the targets, if that can’t happen I’d just roll with whoever until Gilbert or Williams or Acuna(plays 2nd and moves McNeil to OF) is ready in 2025. Signing a Lee type to a long term deal just impacts future flexibility. I’d also take a Soler or Teoscar if you can get them for 2 years or less which I doubt. Otherwise just give the kids all the ABs, give Mauricio and Baty reps in left, and see what cream rises to the top.
I don’t think they want to take on any massive contracts for position players. They have options at every position as well as a bunch of prospects in both the infield and outfield (catcher, too, with Parada). What they don’t have is pitching, either in the majors or in the minors. Any big expenditures should be geared towards pitching. That’s why they’re looking at discount guys like Lee or Taylor. Bellinger or Soto seems like spending too much for too long to improve less than they would if they targeted pitching.
The Mets are focused on Yamamoto and will pivot to secondary pieces once he is signed.
mets aren’t signing any big name high cost free agents until 2025 when sherzer’s and verlanders contracts are off the books.
Oh i think theyll sign someone to a big FA contract this offseason.
Mets need a third baseman? Josh Donaldson is available!
He stinks, how about Matt Chapman or just play Mauricio there.
Hell no! Mauricio looked awful at 3B last year!
“A left…a right..an uppercut..Down goes Jackie..Down goes Jackie..Down goes Jackie”.
Move Nimmo to LF, sign Taylor to play CF, put McNeil back at 2B, sign a 4th Outfielder and cut Vogelbach and the position player side of things will be looking up
Vogelbach was non tendered some time ago. At last report Vogey was said to be deep in negotiations with “Country Buffet” to eat up, I mean head-up, their East Coast operations.
He’s just trying to leverage that offer against his offer from the Golden Corral.
Buffet jokes aside, Vogelbach does need to lose weight and become more athletic if he wants an MLB offer. He’s coasted on his power for too long, that ain’t gonna cut it anymore.
Not sure why the need for an OF, with Nimmo, Marte, McNeil, DJ Stewart, Jett Williams, Acuna. and Gilbert.
I would put Nimmo in LF, Jett in CF, Marte, Stewart or Gilbert in RF.
Mets need 2 more high end starters (Yamamoto & Montgomery) a DH (Hoskins or Soler) and a few relievers
Jett will get an invite to ST but will begin the season in high A or AA. Acuna will also begin in AA, but he has a better chance of a possible call up after the deadline, when the Mets are eliminated. Jett may be a September 2024 call up.
@Ella B Given Jett dominated A+, 299/451/567/1.018 after an .832 OPS in A ball, and since his fielding is a strength meaning he has value even if his hitting struggles, I’d love to see him in AA to begin the season.
I’d agree that 162 PA in A+ is a little light, but he was so dominant in 534 PA overall in A ball that he has all the earmarks of a kid who should be challenged—and based on a recent interview, loves being challenged.
Acuna’s 243/.317/.304 .line at Binghamton is a legitimate concern, and he didn’t get better as his partial season there went on.
Great to see the idiot Mets playing him at SS. (/s) That was the approach they took with Mauricio, who’s having to learn a position in the majors almost from scratch. It’ll be interesting to see if the 2024 Mets have learned that minor leaguers have to PLAY a position, to LEARN a position.
Im a Braves fan and despise the mets but why wouldn’t they give the AB’s to younger guys and sign long term pitching (yamamoto). This years position player free agent class is very weak. See what you have in the younger guys, let yamamoto get accustomed to mlb and address what you need next year. Things that make sense really isnt the mets way though
You know why? Because the Mets are always trying to win the headlines of the NY news outlets over the Yankees. they must always make a move to make headlines…no matter if they are dumb ones that will fail.
They are like the guy that managed the Titanic. No need to do the smart thing. Just focus on making headlines, and all will be well.
@Rebuild it The only issue there is that only Mauricio has any real shot of sticking at 3B, leaving one DH slot for both Vientos and Baty.
Stearns should have a good sense by now to know whether Mauricio is likely to succeed given his limited reps at 3B, all the film they have, and his horrific error rate at SS (93 errors in 3,356 innings, or 37 errors in a full season!), and his very poor OBP four years of five. His Major League Equivalencies were awful, so even if his fielding turns out to be adequate at 3B, his bat may well not play, and if they thought he’d succeed long term at 2B they’d be playing him there.
That they aren’t, is a bad sign.
You might want to look into complaining about everything the Mets do. Life’s to short to always be mad at a baseball team.
Wait, you’re writing posts against me and also against your own fellow Mets fans when anyone posts anything about the reality of the Mets?
All you have to do is put on the Mets Goggles and drink their Kool-Aid. All will be well for you then.
Mauricio’s the only one of the three with a chance of fielding well enough at 3B to stick.
It’s good to hear the Mets plan on McNeil at 2B. His declining bat plays there (and if the bat rebounds he’s an AS-calibered 2Bman), and Mauricio’s size and the Mets failure to give him the couple of years of reps he would have needed in the minors to turn into a decent 2Bman make him a significantly better bet to succeed at 3B.
Since neither Baty nor Vientos can field well enough to play anywhere other than 1B as emergency fill-ins, one of them DHs, the other goes to the minors—presumably the latter is Vientos (unless they want to send Baty down in an obscure attempt to groom Alonso’s successor), and maybe he can be featured at DH prefatory to being traded, or serve as insurance in case Baty craters, which is not unlikely. Or, it’s a good point in his career (last offseason would have been much better, but it’s typical of incompetent GMs to tread water) to deal him for someone else’s uncertain minor leaguer at a position of need, or someone’s good setup man who’s starting to get expensive.
It’s gotta be annoying having the Mets and Mets fans banging around in your head 24/7. It’s like the Mets are your boogeyman. Boo MFer!