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New York Mets: Two free agents to help keep up with the Washington Nationals

By Tim Boyle

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: The sun sets behind Citi Field during game one of a double header between the the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets at Citi Field on September 25, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: The sun sets behind Citi Field during game one of a double header between the the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets at Citi Field on September 25, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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The New York Mets were active this offseason with several free agent signings. If they want to keep up with the Washington Nationals, there are two names left to look at.

Last season, the Washington Nationals had an easy route to the division title. Despite multiple major injuries, the postseason was theirs for the taking. This year, the New York Mets look to make a little more noise. To seriously do so, they should look at signing two of the best free agents left on the board.

One of those men the Mets should consider is catcher Jonathan Lucroy. Certainly capable of giving them the boost they need, Lucroy gives them a whole lot more than their current catching platoon. Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki belong in a reserve role. We’ve all seen enough to know they aren’t about to turn a corner and become major contributors to the offense. Furthermore, their average-at-best defense is yet another reason for the Mets to look at possible upgrades.

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Lucroy isn’t the elite All-Star he was only several seasons ago. He struggled mightily last year with the Texas Rangers before upgrading his statistics later in the season during his time with the Colorado Rockies. Whichever version the Mets get, Lucroy is sure to create a little more excitement in Queens.

The other free agent the Mets should look at is Jake Arrieta. Chris Carlin of WFAN in New York has opined for days on his afternoon show about how much Arrieta could benefit from a one-year deal with the Mets. Similar to Lucroy, Arrieta had a down-year in 2017. A pillow contract that allows him to re-establish his brand in 2018 before returning to free agency in 2018 could make sense. Arrieta is clearly not worth as much as he thought he was early on this offseason. A stellar season with the Mets could change his fortunes one year from now.

There are multiple roadblocks to attracting Arrieta to New York. Even a $20 million deal for a season may not land the 2015 Cy Young winner. At his age, years matter. One line drive back to the mound and his career is toast. Not to mention, Arrieta’s presence on the Mets could sour their relationship with other established pitchers. They already have a surplus of options to start. Add Arrieta and the Mets will be forced to move another to the bullpen which is sure to create friction.

The best part about adding Lucroy or Arrieta to the roster is that both have been on the Nationals’ radar as well. Lucroy rumors to the Nationals have been more speculatory than anything else. The fit is there, but nothing has ever seemed too imminent.

Arrieta, however, has been directly linked to the Nationals several times this winter. Even into March, he remains an option for the defending NL East Champions.

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The New York Mets can make sure neither land in D.C. by striking first. Since both don’t seem as attractive around the league, their asking prices should be in an affordable range. The Mets have no excuse at this point. It’s time they sweep the rug from under the Nationals’ feet and get a little vengeance on behalf of losing Daniel Murphy.

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