New York Mets team president Sandy Alderson appeared on Craig Carton and Evan Roberts’s evening show on WFAN 101.9 FM / 660 AM New York on Friday to discuss Mets’ acquisition of the shortstop franchise Francisco lindor and right-handed Carlos Carrasco from Cleveland on Thursday, among other topics.
Alderson confirmed that the wheels started to turn into a potential deal in early December. In fact, the Mets contacted Cleveland about other (unidentified) players, and the negotiations eventually moved on to the final structure we saw happening. Amed Rosario, Andres Gimenez, Josh Wolfand Isaiah Greene getting back in business – “fair compensation”, according to Sandy.
About a possible extension of the contract for Lindor, who has only one year left in his current business, Alderson alluded to this conversation eventually taking place, telling Carton and Roberts that the team and the player “will meet and talks about the extension will follow ”.
Alderson also spoke about the Mets’ continued search for improvements in the squad this winter, confirming that the team is still in the market for foreign aid and also mentioned the impact that no striker designated in the National League could have next season.
Dominic Smith is a natural – and exceptionally talented – first baseman, so obviously the team would like to play him there (“[Smith] he is a first baseman ”). However, Alderson admitted that without DH, Smith will likely see time on the left field as well.
JD Davis he is currently in line to see most of his playing time on third base, although Sandy strongly suggested the possibility that this scenario will change as the off-season unfolds.
This week, both Bob Nightengale’s USA today and Mike Puma’s New York Post confirmed that Mets contacted the Cubs regarding the 2016 NL MVP Kris Bryant.
While Davis’s club is undoubtedly above average, his glove is tough by comparison (-5 outs above the overall average in just 321.1 defensive entries last season). Clearly, the Mets are exploring their upgrade options on the hot corner.
Alderson noted that the right-handed Seth Lugo was not classified as an initiator or appeaser this season, adding that “it would ultimately depend on the market” and what other moves the Mets make.
Lugo transitioned to rotation last season in the absence of Stroman (opt-out) and Noah Syndergaard (elbow surgery), launching for an ERA of 6.15 with 36 eliminations and eight walks in seven matches (26.1 entries).
Throughout its career, the Louisiana product has an ERA of 2.53 with 210 eliminations and 47 walks in 188.2 entries in relief and an ERA of 4.35 as an initial.
Jacob deGrom, Stroman, the newly acquired executioner and lefties Steven Matz and David Peterson are currently marked in the top five of the Mets.
While there is no way of knowing what the squad will look like when the camp opens in Port St. Lucie next month, Lugo may well return to the relief corps in 2021.
We will keep you informed of any new developments as the Mets off-season progresses.
