New York Mets president Sandy Alderson appeared on Craig Carton and on Evan Roberts’ afternoon show WFAN 101.9 FM / 660 AM New York on Friday to discuss the Mets’ acquisition of a franchise shortstop Francisco Lindor and right Carlos Carrasco from Cleveland on Thursday, among other topics.
Alderson confirmed that the wheels began to open a potential deal in early December. In fact, the Mets contacted Cleveland about other (unnamed) players, and the discussions eventually progressed to the final frame that we saw playing Amed Rosario, Andres Gimenez, Josh Wolf, and Isaiah Greene head back into the business – “fair compensation”, per Sandy.
Regarding a possible contract extension for Lindor, who has only one more year left in his current agreement, Alderson alluded to that conversation that eventually took place, telling Carton and Roberts that the team and the player “They will know each other and follow the extension talks”.
Alderson also spoke of the Mets’ continued search for list improvement this winter, confirming that the team is still on the field for off-field help and also touched on the impact that no designated National League hitter could have next season.
Dominic Smith is a natural based first – and extremely talented, so obviously the team would like to play it there (“[Smith] it is a first base ”). Although, Alderson acknowledged that without DH, Smith will most likely see time in the left field as well.
Jd Davis is currently in line to see the lion’s share of playing time at third base, although Sandy has hinted that it is possible that the scenario will change as the off-season begins.
This week, both Bob Nightengale from USA Today and Mike Puma from New York Post confirmed that the Mets have been in contact with the Cubs in connection with the 2016 NL MVP Kris Bryant.
While Davis’ bat is undoubtedly above average, his glove is strong in comparison (-5 outings above average in just 321.1 defensive innings last season). Clearly, the Mets are exploring their upgrade options in the hot corner.
Alderson noticed that line Seth Lugo was not included in the table, neither as a starter nor as a reliever this season, adding that “it would ultimately depend on the market” and what other moves the Mets are making.
Lugo went into rotation last season in the absence of Stroman (opt-out) and Noah Syndergaard (elbow surgery), pitching at an ERA 6.15 with 36 hits and eight walks over seven starts (26.1 innings).
Throughout his career, the Louisiana product has an ERA of 2.53, with 210 shots and 47 walks over 188.2 innings, in relief and an ERA of 4.35, as a starter.
Jacob deGrom, Stroman, Carrasco recently acquired, and left-handed Steven Matz and David Peterson are currently drawn in the five initials of the Mets.
Although it is not said what the list might look like when the camp opens in Port St. Lucie next month, Lugo could very well return to the aid corps in 2021.
We’ll keep you posted on any news as the Mets move forward.
