Mets

Mets reportedly interview Brad Ausmus and reach out to Astros for Joe Espada

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Simeon Woods-Richardson

The New York Mets are still looking for a replacement for former manager Luis Rojas. Since there is currently a lockout and the team can’t sign or trade for anyone, the organization is exclusively focused on the search for a new skipper.

In recent days, it was reported that veteran Buck Showalter was “high in the list” for the Mets. Now, we also know, thanks to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, that Brad Ausmus interviewed for the opening.

SNY reporter Andy Martino had reported that Ausmus was a candidate and would be interviewing. The former major league catcher has several years of experience as a manager: he led the Detroit Tigers from 2014 to 2017, and then took over the Los Angeles Angels (under Mets’ current general manager Billy Eppler, when he worked in the west coast team) in 2019.

Ausmus had a 386-422 record as an MLB manager, with a .478 winning percentage. He made the Division Series with the Tigers in 2014, but was swept.

Two additional manager candidates for the Mets

According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Mets are also interested in Joe Espada as a potential manager candidate, and have already asked permission to the Houston Astros to interview him. He is their bench coach at the moment.

Additionally, the Mets have also formally requested permission from the Tampa Bay Rays to interview their bench coach Matt Quatraro for the position, according to Olney.

Showalter is seen as an old-school manager, while Quatraro and Espada are regarded as good managerial prospects in a modern way. Ausmus started off his manager career well in 2014, but hasn’t enjoyed too much success since and hasn’t worked since 2019.

The Mets declined to extend Rojas after two disappointing seasons in which they finished with a record under .500. He is now the third base coach of the New York Yankees.

Gil Hodges, manager of the ‘Miracle Mets’, is elected to the Hall of Fame

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New York Mets’ fans got some good news on Sunday, when Gil Hodges, the skipper of the Amazin’ Mets, or Miracle Mets team if you prefer, was deservedly elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

The Golden Days Era committee of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame elected four new members for enshrinement in Cooperstown on Sunday: Hodges, Jim Kaat, Minnie Minoso and Tony Oliva.

Additionally, the Early Baseball Era committee of the Hall elected two new members for enshrinement: Bud Fowler and Buck O’Neill.

Led by Hodges, those 1969 Mets finished 100–62, eight games ahead of the Cubs, taking the National League pennant. Five games were enough to take the first World Series in the franchise history.

The Mets’ legend as a manager had a nice playing career, too

During his playing days, Hodges was universally regarded as one of the better defensive first baseman of the 1950s. As it turns out, he had some thump in his bat, too, hitting 370 career home runs with a .273/.359/.487 line and a 121 wRC+. He played most of his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers, then was in Los Angeles for the franchise’s first four seasons after moving to the west coast, and was a member of the Mets’ first season, in 1962.

The Mets’ legend had a nice playing career, too

Hodges is an eight-time All-Star (1949–1955, 1957), a three-time World Series champion (1955, 1959, 1969), a three-time Gold Glove Award winner (1957–1959), is in the Mets’ Hall of Fame, and had his number 14 retired.

He had six seasons with 30 home runs or more, and a couple with more than 40. He was a six-win player in his prime, in 1954 with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and that’s the year in which he hit a career-high 42 home runs.

Hodges is truly a Mets legend, and his enshrinement is backed by numbers and accomplishment as a player and as a manager.

The latest on the Mets’ search for a manager

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New York Mets

The New York Mets have had a busy offseason so far. In anticipation of the MLB lockout, they signed outfielders Starling Marte and Mark Canha, they brought infielder Eduardo Escobar, and they signed star pitcher Max Scherzer. In the middle of all that hoopla, they also welcomed new general manager Billy Eppler, who was behind most of those moves.

The Mets, however, still need to find a manager after deciding not to renew Luis Rojas’ contract for next season. The search, much like the GM one, hasn’t been as smooth as originally hoped, but there is already a list of candidates for the job.

Houston Astros bench coach Joe Espada, Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro, Pittsburgh Pirates bench coach Don Kelly and former major-league player and manager Brad Ausmus are among the early candidates.

The Mets like Showalter

But one veteran skipper is also under consideration for the job: Buck Showalter. According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, Showalter is “high on the list” of potential candidates to occupy the Mets’ managerial job.

The last time Showalter was on the dugout was in 2018 with the Baltimore Orioles, a team he managed since 2010.

One candidate that is reportedly no longer an option is Curtis Granderson. The former Mets and Yankees player (he spent almost a decade in the Big Apple back in his playing days) is, per Heyman, not currently interested in the Mets’ position.

Granderson was one of the smartest players in the league, knows the game, has the respect of players and would be a younger, modern manager, but it looks he won’t be pursuing a job as a skipper at the time. At the moment, he is the president of the Players Alliance, has a job in broadcasting with TBS.

Because of the MLB lockout, the Mets are expected to take their time in their managerial search.

The Mets expressed interest in infielder Kris Bryant before lockout

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New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Kris Bryant

Despite having acquired Eduardo Escobar and the expectation of having Robinson Cano back for the 2022 campaign, the New York Mets reportedly expressed interest in third baseman Kris Bryant before MLB owners decided to implement a lockout.

Per the terms of the lockout, there will be no free agent signings, trades, and players won’t be able to use team facilities, not even to rehab injuries. Everything is frozen until MLB and the players’ association can hammer out a new CBA (collective bargaining agreement) deal.

Besides the Mets, the Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, and even the Colorado Rockies were expressing interest in the former Rookie of the Year and MVP of the National League. Per Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies, and the Houston Astros, also contacted Bryant’s agents.

Bryant will have to wait until the lockout is over to sign with a team, which he is reportedly comfortable with.

The Mets are “probably set” on the position players side, but…

During Max Scherzer’s introductory press conference, Mets GM Billy Eppler mentioned the possibility of adding another position player during this offseason, but said the organization is “being mindful” of not harming its long-term outlook.

“We do feel pretty good about this position player group, but want to remain opportunistic as we navigate the rest of the winter and look for areas that we can improve the club,” Eppler said.

Recently, Andy Martino of SNY had reported the Mets were “probably set on the position player side” after adding outfielders Starling Marte and Mark Canha, in addition to Escobar.

However, a trade involving infielder Jeff McNeil (after the lockout) could change things, and the Mets could theoretically fit Bryant under that scenario.

For now, everything will have to be put on hold until owners and players can alleviate their issues and agree to a new CBA deal, which doesn’t seem it will be soon.

The Mets get their star and pair Max Scherzer with Jacob deGrom at the top of the rotation

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Could the New York Yankees pursue Max Scherzer in a trade?

The New York Mets secured one of their top targets in the 2021-22 offseason. Max Scherzer, the star pitcher who snubbed everybody in the East coast at the deadline, saying he preferred to go to the West coast, is now in agreement with the Mets on a three-year, $130 million contract that breaks all kinds of records.

It represents the largest average annual value for any player in MLB history, at $43.3 million. The Mets are also giving Scherzer the opportunity to opt out after 2023, the second season, and a full no-trade clause as part of the deal.

The Mets had taken the market by storm on Friday, signing three players to bolster their lineup: Starling Marte, Mark Canha, and Eduardo Escobar. However, their pitching remained a clear weakness, not so much in quality but in depth.

They had only five viable starters under contract and healthy enough to pitch, presumably, in 2022 spring training: Jacob deGrom, Carlos Carrasco, Taijuan Walker, David Peterson, and Tylor Megill. They lost Noah Syndergaard and Marcus Stroman to free agency.

The Mets are banking on Scherzer

Having Scherzer paired with deGrom at the top of the lineup will be huge for the Mets, especially if they get to the postseason. That one-two punch us unparalleled in today’s game.

Scherzer, even at 37, is coming off an excellent season for the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He pitched 179.1 innings of a 2.46 ERA, a 2.97 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) and 11.84 strikeouts per nine frames.

He finished 2021 with 5.4 Wins Above Replacement, or WAR, according to FanGraphs, a really solid number. The Mets are taking a chance on his health and his ability to maintain elite performance for three years, but it was a gamble they needed to make considering the circumstances.

It is believed that New York will keep monitoring the market, as they still need to add a pitcher or two. The trade market is also a possibility, with Luis Castillo and Frankie Montas as potential targets.

2021 New York Mets Player Evaluations: Second Baseman Jeff McNeil

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Jeff McNeil‘s 2021 season for the New York Mets featured plenty more frustration than success as it was his first rough season in the big leagues. From helmet slams to Francisco Lindor wrapping his hands around McNeil’s throat, it was indeed a year to forget for the former all-star.

McNeil had a very streaky season and started very slow out of the gate. In April, he batted .203 with only four extra-base hits. He followed the theme of a majority of Mets hitters who dragged their way through the opening month. McNeil’s shining moment was an early April game-tying home run in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins. It was his first hit of the season and helped lead the Mets to a walk-off victory.

Despite the home run, McNeil never got into a consistent groove at the plate. McNeil and Francisco Lindor got into their infamous “rat-coon” debate in the clubhouse in the middle of May. The “debate” was a building conflict from their disagreement on their fielding alignment. Lindor ended up choking McNeil and pinning him up against the wall in the clubhouse. The details of the altercation did not come out until the offseason, but it was clear that both players struggled to get along.

Hot and Cold

Even with the clubhouse distraction, McNeil batted over .300 in May but suffered a hamstring injury which halted his momentum. Once McNeil returned in June, he hit .206 and failed to record a walk. After his rough stretch of games, he got going once the calendar flipped to July. McNeil hit .351 with 27 hits which were his most in any month. The terrific July was not enough to convince the front office that they did not need another second baseman. The Mets acquired Javier Baez at the trade deadline, who took McNeil’s position and was Lindor’s best friend.

McNeil’s offense went into a tailspin for the final two months of the season. He batted just .220 and started only one game at second base once Lindor returned from the injured list on August 24. McNeil transitioned to left field and did not bat above sixth once in the order at any point in September. The combination of his .360 slugging percentage and .170 batting average with runners in scoring position exemplified his ineffectiveness at the plate.

Defensive Strength

McNeil had an excellent defensive season despite his reluctance to the Mets increased defensive shifting. In late April, he was benched for his stubbornness to follow directions from the coaching staff. Through it all, McNeil had an OAA and DRS of 4 at second base. His solid defense also showed in his small sample size in left field. The combination of his fearlessness and baseball IQ makes him an outstanding defensive player at most positions.

McNeil’s role in 2021 is a mystery because of the uncertainty of what new GM Billy Eppler wants to do. With money invested in Mark Canha, Starling Marte, and Eduardo Escobar, it guarantees he will not have a chance to play left or right field. The colossal contract of Max Scherzer can give him hope that Robinson Cano will be his second base competition instead of Baez.

2021 Grades On 20-80 Scale (2022 Projection)

Hitting: 45 (55), The average decrease is hard to overlook, but the decreased strikeout rate gives hope he can return to the .300 range.

Power: 35 (45), Exit velocity remains typical to his career and should return into double digits.

Run: 50 (50)

Arm: 65 (65), Always very accurate no matter where he plays.

Field: 60 (60)

Overall: 45 (50), McNeil has the track record to show he will bounce back, but he has to prove it big time in 2022.

Mets are reportedly close to signing Max Scherzer, but remain in “wait mode”

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Could the New York Yankees pursue Max Scherzer in a trade?

The New York Mets made a huge splash in the free agent market on Friday, when they secured outfielders Starling Marte and Mark Canha, in addition to infielder Eduardo Escobar. Those three signings marked a paradigm shift for them, as they turned their focus on strengthening a shallow rotation.

On Sunday night, they made huge advances in signing one of the best free agent arms available in Max Scherzer. During the trade deadline, the multiple Cy Young award winner snubbed the Mets for the West Coast, but now, New York reportedly has the highest offer on the table for Scherzer.

Several renowned reporters wrote late on Sunday that the Mets were close to securing Scherzer, against all odds, but so far, no official announcement has been made.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported that the Mets “remain in wait mode” for the prized free agent, who could make more than $40 million per season on a multi-year deal.

Per Heyman, the Mets “have already reviewed and approved of Scherzer’s medicals”. SNY’s Andy Martino said late Sunday night that the team offered Scherzer around $42 million over three or four years.

The Mets need to strengthen their rotation

The Mets were said to have topped Kevin Gausman’s deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, worth $110 million over five years. However, the right-hander chose the Blue Jays’ current core.

At the moment, the Mets are also monitoring the trade market, in which stars such as Luis Castillo, Sonny Gray, and Frankie Montas could be available. However, Scherzer remains the A1 priority for New York, and an announcement on his next destination should come on Monday.

The Mets’ rotation lost Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman (both free agents: Thor signed with the Los Angeles Angels) and also Joey Lucchesi to Tommy John surgery. At the moment, Jacob deGrom, Carlos Carrasco, Taijuan Walker, David Peterson, and Tylor Megill are slated to take the ball every five days.

Mets secure some Black Friday deals: Three signings in one day!

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New York Mets interested in trading for Starling Marte.

The New York Mets, heavily criticized for their inactivity during the free agency period, made a huge statement on Friday and signed three players to bolster their lineup: outfielders Starling Marte and Mark Canha, and infielder Eduardo Escobar.

Marte was the prize among free agent outfielders, and he will be going to the Mets in a four-year, $78 million deal. The 33-year-old is coming off his best season, slashing .310/.383/.458 with 12 home runs and 47 stolen bases between the Miami Marlins and the Oakland Athletics. He remains a good center fielder, and that’s the position he will play in New York while Brandon Nimmo slides over to a corner.

Canha is known as a fantastic on-base threat with some power and versatility. The 32-year-old is very capable: he hit 17 home runs in 141 games to go along with a .746 OPS last year, and it was a somewhat down season for him. He owns a career .244 average and a .344 on-base percentage, and has averaged 20 homers per season over his last three full campaigns, per the Mets official site.

The Mets added experience and versatility; now they will seek pitching

Escobar is a good solution for the infield. He is an All-Star, has experience playing both second and third base, and hit 28 homers and drove in 90 runs last year for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee Brewers. He hit a career-high 35 homers while tying for the Major League lead with 10 triples in 2019.

With those three pieces, the Mets’ lineup is dramatically improved over what they had to finish the season.

The Mets are now focused on adding some pitching. At the moment, they have only five viable starting pitchers in Jacob deGrom, Carlos Carrasco, Taijuan Walker, David Peterson, and Tylor Megill, and they would like to add at least a couple of names to the mix before the expected lockout date of December 1.

The Mets are facing a lot of competition for Marcus Stroman’s services

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New York Yankees, New York Mets, Marcus Stroman

The New York Mets badly need to add at least two or three top-tier pieces to their rotation during the offseason. Their overall depth has been severely hit by injuries and free agency: Noah Syndergaard unexpectedly signed with the Los Angeles Angels, Rich Hill and Marcus Stroman are free agents, and there aren’t any assurances about the health of Jacob deGrom’s elbow. In addition, Joey Lucchesi won’t be available in 2022 as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery.

The situation has created a severe need for pitching in the Mets’ organization. In particular, New York should do whatever it takes to re-sign Stroman, as he showed this past season that, with the added split-change to his repertoire, his ceiling is higher than it used to be.

In 2021, Stroman started 33 games and pitched 179.0 innings. His ERA was 3.02, his FIP 3.49, and he finished with 3.4 Wins Above Replacement, or WAR. He already played last season under the qualifying offer for the Mets, so he is not eligible to do so again.

Several clubs are interested in the Mets’ righty

The problem with re-signing Stroman is that the Mets are facing a lot of competition, which could ultimately end up driving the price up. According to Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors, at least five teams are interested in the right-hander: the Boston Red Sox, the San Francisco Giants, the Chicago Cubs, the Los Angeles Angels, and incumbent Mets.

Additionally, per Jon Morosi of MLB.com, the Seattle Mariners could be another potential suitor for Stroman.

The Mets recently bid for Steven Matz, who pitched all of his career, except for the 2021 season, with them. However, they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals.

At the moment, deGrom, Carlos Carrasco, Taijuan Walker, David Peterson, and Tylor Megill are all the Mets have as far as starters concern.

The offseason is still young, but pitching appears to moving off the market quickly. The Mets need to act now if they don’t want to see all their options disappear.

Mets reportedly avoiding free agents with qualifying offers attached to them

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The New York Mets want, and need, to sign several free agents if they want to keep up with the Atlanta Braves, and potentially the Philadelphia Phillies, in the NL East division. Sure, the trade market is also an option, but it’s unlikely that too many impact players become available this offseason.

However, while the Mets certainly want to sign several players who can contribute in 2022, there is one caveat. Per MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and SNY’s Joe DeMayo, they will only consider free agents who did not receive the qualifying offer, at least at this jucture.

The problem is that most of the biggest names, the ones who can truly impact a game or a series, are attached to qualifying offers: Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, Freddie Freeman, Trevor Story, Marcus Semien, Nick Castellano, Robbie Ray, and many more.

The rule indicates that if a team (the Mets, in this particular case) signs a player attached to a qualifying offer, it will need to forfeit its second pick in next year’s MLB Draft. This year, the qualifying offer is valued at $18.4 million.

The Mets need to start thinking about the health of their farm

The Mets did not sign their first-round draft selection last year, Kumar Rocker. They will get that pick again next year, which is the tenth overall, but their regular selection, the 14th, would be unprotected, which means they would lose it if they sign a big free agent who received a QO.

But the landscape is not as bleak as it appears. Several top players, such as Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw, Starling Marte, Kris Bryant, Kenley Jansen, Kevin Gausman, Jon Gray, Carlos Rodon, Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber did not receive the qualifying offer or weren’t eligible for it.

Additionally, they can, and should, focus on re-signing their own free agents. They have already lost Noah Syndergaard and Aaron Loup, but need to prioritize bringing back Marcus Stroman. Also, Javier Baez showed in half a season that he could be a long-term piece.

After not signing Rocker and trading 2020 first-rounder Pete Crow-Armstrong for Baez, the Mets really need to maximize the potential of their draft picks. Building a strong system should be a priority too, together with big league performance.