3 moves for the New York Mets this offseason
This was not how the season was supposed to end for the New York Mets. New owner Steve Cohen had promised that the days of the Same Ol’ Mets were over, that they were ready to become a first class organization and contend. The Mets certainly had an impressive offseason, making them the favorites in the NL East.
A decent start to the season, coupled with every other team in the division struggling, led to the Mets leading the NL East heading into the trade deadline. They made the moves that they appeared to need to order to return to the postseason, only to have everything fall apart.
How the New York Mets can fix the offseason
Thus far, the offseason has not been any better. They have been unable to find anyone interested in taking over their front office, need a manager, and have numerous decisions to make in free agency. No matter what Steve Cohen may have hoped, it is still the Same Ol’ Mets.
How can that change? Let’s look at three things the New York Mets need to do this offseason.
Finally end the dysfunction
This has to be the top priority for the New York Mets.
They have certainly tried. Acting general manager Zack Scott was let go from the organization due to his DUI arrest. Manager Luis Rojas was let go, in part, because the inmates were running the asylum. The Mets need strong voices in the front office and on the bench.
Obviously, this has been easier said than done. The Mets’ quest to find anyone to take over the front office has been a disaster. The managerial search has not yet begun. But the Mets cannot afford to just put someone in the role because they have to – they need to make certain that they have the right pieces in place.
The tone of the organization comes from the top down. It is difficult to have a cohesive team when the front office is a disaster. Players will have issues with each other if there is not a strong leader on the bench. If the Mets are going to contend, they have to bring those voices and leaders in.
The New York Mets quest for someone to lead the front office has become a bit of a punchline. But it is vital that the right people are in place to end the dysfunction.
Bring back Javier Baez
For a time, it appeared as though Javier Baez‘s tenure with the New York Mets would last two months or so.
That was especially the case at the beginning. Baez started off slowly with his new team, becoming part of the infamous thumbs down celebration where the players were booing the fans. While he did apologize, that incident did not exactly endear him any further to the Mets’ faithful.
But something happened after that. Baez began hitting and never stopped as he became the player the Mets were hoping for. Additionally, his presence ignited Francisco Lindor‘s dormant bat, as he started to produce like the superstar that the Mets had thought they traded for.
Baez may not hit at that level going forward, and his extremely low walk rate and tendency to strike out are troublesome. However, he has excellent power for a middle infielder and his defense more than makes up for any possible shortcomings at the plate. Likewise, his status as Lindor’s best friend in the game could lead to both infielders playing at the top of their ability.
Javier Baez saw the highs and lows of being a part of the New York Mets. Now it is time to keep him in the fold.
Bring back Noah Syndergaard
The New York Mets found out how fragile their pitching plans were when Jacob deGrom was lost for the season. His injury woes and inability to return sparked the Mets slide down the standings, leading to another disappointing season.
deGrom’s injury highlighted the importance of a second top of the rotation arm for the Mets. They actually had one on the roster, but Noah Syndergaard was injured for most of the year himself, returning to pitch just two innings.
Syndergaard is not exactly a bastion of health. He has reached the 30 start plateau just twice, and has missed large chunks of three seasons. However, he is a top of the rotation arm when healthy, someone who can take some of the pressure off of deGrom as the Mets look to get back to the postseason.
It may not be that difficult to bring him back either. Chances are, he would accept the Qualifying Offer and the $18.4 million salary attached. This would allow Syndergaard to prove that he is healthy once more and give the Mets time to work on an extension if they were so inclined.
Next. Year of the Shakeup continues. dark
The New York Mets need another top of the rotation arm to pair with Jacob deGrom. A healthy Noah Syndergaard would continue to be the answer.