New York Mets: Three moves to make with Robinson Cano’s salary
As Robinson Cano has been suspended for the 2021 season, the New York Mets have an unexpected windfall. Let’s look at some moves they should make with that money.
One could understand if maybe, just maybe, the New York Mets were not as disappointed in Robinson Cano‘s suspension as they appeared to be publicly. While money may not be an issue during this offseason, his $24 million salary no longer being a concern opens additional avenues as ownership looks to improve the team.
For the Mets, this means that they now have an additional $20 million to spend. The Mariners are saving $4 million, their part of his annual salary that they still owe. With numerous holes on the roster, and an owner that wants to win now, the Mets offseason just got a lot more interesting.
What will the New York Mets do with Robinson Cano’s salary? Let’s look at three options.
A major splash could be forthcoming
The New York Mets have been expected to make a major splash in free agency. This additional $20 million could help with that.
At this point, the Mets are considered to be amongst the favorites to land every top free agent. They have been linked to the likes of Trevor Bauer and J.T. Realmuto, two targets that would make perfect sense in Citi Field.
Not only is Realmuto arguably the top free agent, but he is also the best catcher in the game. His excellent production with the bat and stellar defense would make him an instant upgrade for the Mets, another weapon on both sides of the game. Bauer had a career season in 2020, and while there is risk that he never replicates that showing, he would provide the Mets with another top of the rotation arm.
Chances are, it will take more than the $20 million per season to bring either player to New York. Both players understandably have their sights set on setting salary records at their positions. Steve Cohen has already indicated that he will spend whatever is necessary to build a championship roster, but that extra money cannot hurt in the Mets pursuit of these players.
The New York Mets could use those savings to make a major splash. That $20 million may not be enough on its own to land either player, but it would be a good start.
The New York Mets could fix their bullpen
While that $20 million will not be enough to land one of the top free agents, it would be enough to make a major dent in the New York Mets bullpen woes.
There were some bright spots. Edwin Diaz finally looked like the pitcher that the Mets had traded for. Jeurys Familia, Chasen Shreve, and Justin Wilson were decent. But the Mets could use another arm or two in the bullpen, especially if they are not sold that Diaz can be the closer going forward.
Fortunately for New York, there are plenty of options available. Brad Hand could be an interesting fit, either as the Mets closer of in the eighth inning, after he was let go by the Indians. Liam Hendriks would not only seemingly give the Mets another lock down closer, but he would bring an attitude to the bullpen that had been lacking.
Although the Mets had a solid offense in 2020, their pitching staff was a major problem. Injuries ruined the starting rotation, while ineffectiveness doomed the bullpen. Some of those starters will be back in 2021, leaving the bullpen as a bigger area of need.
However, the New York Mets will have plenty of competition for those top relievers. That additional $20 million could make a difference as they seek to upgrade the bullpen.
Locking up the New York Mets core
Although several key members of the New York Mets are under team control for years to come, this may be a great time to look towards extensions.
There are impending free agents that the Mets may want to look towards extending. Both Noah Syndergaard and Marcus Stroman are slated to hit free agency after the 2021 season. Both pitchers have injury questions, but if they can show that they are healthy, it may be worthwhile for the Mets to explore extensions with both.
The same is true in the lineup. Pete Alonso has the potential to be the next face of the franchise, a possible cornerstone player at first. Both Jeff McNeil and Domonic Smith could be worth locking into a long term deal before they reach arbitration. Michael Conforto is also set to reach free agency in 2021, and could be a player that the Mets consider locking up.
As the Mets look to become a perennial contender and to act like a large market team, they will need to spend the money to do so. Locking in those players who can be a part of that future will go a long way towards putting the Mets where Steve Cohen envisions.
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The New York Mets have $20 million more to spend. There are plenty of ways they can use that money to improve the roster for both 2021 and for the long term.