New York Mets: Three offseason moves the Amazin’s should make
2019 was impressive for the New York Mets, but making these three moves would make them a serious contender in 2020.
For the third straight October, the New York Mets are watching from home and missing out on a postseason run. 2019 was a huge improvement for the Mets but they fell short of the playoffs for a multitude of reasons.
The bullpen had the fifth most blown saves and the 12th worst ERA in the National League. Many games were lost because of poor performances by relievers. Their two major bullpen acquisitions, 2018 All-Star Edwin Diaz and Jeurys Familia, were both horrific. Diaz went 2-7 with a 5.59 ERA and seven blown saves. Familia went 4-2 with a 5.70 and for blown saves.
Another major issue of why the Mets fell short of the playoffs was their inconsistency in centerfield. The club ranked 14th in the National League in batting average and hits for the CF position. All NYM centerfielders combined to have a .229 batting average.
This position has been a weak spot for the Mets for a long time. The only legitimate centerfielder the Mets have had since they traded away Carlos Beltran in 2011 is Yoenis Cespedes, who has only played 103 games at the position in orange and blue.
It is sad to realize that the Wilpons will not be aggressive enough to acquire these free agents, but here are three moves that the New York Mets should make this offseason to transcend into a playoff team once again.
Dellin Betances, RHP, NYY
After only throwing eight pitches this season, Dellin Betances approaches free agency with an awkward situation. He battled should injuries the whole entire season and the Yankees already have a lot of money vested in relievers. The New York Mets need to take advantage of that situation and sign Betances to a short-term, one or two years, to deepen their bullpen.
The Mets have their closer of the foreseeable future in Edwin Diaz. He was shaky the entire season, same with Familia. They need to add a dominant arm to the pen, and Betances has shown he is dominant when healthy.
From 2014 to 2018, he was named to four AL All-Star teams and struck out at least 100 batters each season. His ERAs were 1.40, 1.50, 3.08, 2.87, and 2.70, making his career ERA 2.36. This was a remarkable stretch for a right-handed reliever.
Betances will be 32 next season. He could either be looking a one-year deal to prove himself and raise his market value for 2021’s free agency.
Or, he could be looking to cash in and sign for as much as he can.
The 86-76 Mets need to add an elite arm like Betances to their bullpen if they want to make it to the postseason and take the next step as a franchise.
Trade for Starling Marte, CF, PIT
Trading with the Pittsburgh Pirates for Starling Marte would immediately address and solve the Mets’ biggest weakness, the lack of a centerfielder. Marte is one of the best centerfielders in baseball.
According to ESPN.com, Marte had the fifth-highest OPS. for centerfielders last season. His .295 batting average was second amongst the position. The All-Star is also a two-time Gold Glover.
The New York Mets need to trade for Marte. The Pirates are looking to rebuild and unload some of their talented veterans. The 31-year-old has club options for the 2020 and 2021 season.
New York has some minor league assets that General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen would be willing to trade for a win-now move. Trading for Marte and picking up his $11.5 million and his $12.5 million team options.
This move would make the Mets’ lineup so much deeper. Assuming that Yoenis Cespedes is not ready for the beginning of 2020, the lineup could look like this on Opening Day if they traded for Marte.
1. Jeff McNeil 3B
2. Pete Alonso 1B
3. Michael Conforto RF
4. Starling Marte CF
5. Robinson Cano 2B
6. JD Davis/Brandon Nimmo LF
7. Wilson Ramos C
8. Amed Rosario SS
9. Jacob deGrom SP
This would significantly bolster their depth. This lineup would give the Mets a much better chance at making the playoffs next season and in 2021 as well. This move would make the Mets contenders for the next two seasons.
Zack Wheeler, RHP, NYM
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The New York Mets refused to trade Zack Wheeler at the deadline because they wanted him to offer him the qualifying offer. He will get the one-year $17.8 million offer from the Mets, but New York should focus on signing him to a multi-year contract, at least three years.
Last season, the Mets had a top-five rotation in the major leagues with Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Wheeler, Marcus Stroman, and Steven Matz. GM Van Wagenen has made it clear the Syndergaard is not going to be traded, so the team should capitalize on that window by making the rotation as strong as possible while they still have him.
The 29-year-old went 11-8 this season, striking out 195 batters over 196 innings. Both were career highs.
He displayed that he is a durable starter and can go deep into ballgames. He ranked 9th in the National League in innings pitched.
He does not have as much mileage on his arm as normal soon-to-be 30-year-old would because he did not pitch at all during the 2015 and 2016 season due to Tommy John Surgery.
Next. Forget LeBron-Kawhi, Scherzer-Cole is great. dark
The New York Mets have seen that Wheeler can be a beast when he is healthy. He could be due for a big 2020.