New York Mets team chairman Sandy Alderson appeared on Craig Carton and Evan Roberts’ afternoon show WFAN 101.9 FM / 660 AM New York on Friday to discuss Mets’ acquisition of franchise shortstop Francisco Lindor and right-handed Carlos Carrasco from Cleveland on Thursday, among other topics.
Alderson confirmed that the wheels were starting a potential deal in early December. In fact, the Mets reached out to Cleveland regarding other (unnamed) players, and the talks eventually progressed to the final framework we saw play with Amed Rosario, Andres Gimenez, Josh Wolf, and Isaiah Greene goes back into the deal – “fair compensation,” per Sandy.
Regarding a possible contract extension for Lindor, who has only one year left with his current deal, Alderson hinted at that conversation that would eventually take place, telling Carton and Roberts that team and player “will get to know each other and follow renewal talks. “.
Alderson also spoke of the Mets’ ongoing quest for roster improvements this winter, confirming that the team is still looking for outfield help and also the impact no designated hitter in the National League could have next season.
Dominic Smith is a natural – and exceptionally gifted – first baseman, so naturally the team wants to play him there (“[Smith] is a first baseman ”). However, Alderson admitted that without the DH, Smith will most likely see time in the left field.
Jd Davis is currently in line to see the lion’s share of playing time at third base, although Sandy hinted strongly that that scenario would change as the off-season goes on.
This week both Bob Nightengale came out USA Today and Mike Puma from the New York Post confirmed that the Mets have been in touch with the Cubs on the 2016 NL MVP Kris Bryant.
While Davis’s bat is undoubtedly above average, his glove is stark by comparison (-5 outs above average in just 321.1 defensive innings last season). Obviously, the Mets are exploring their upgrade options in the hot corner.
Alderson noticed this right-handed Seth Lugo has not been tabled as a starter or reliever this season, adding that this “ultimately depends on the market” and what other moves the Mets are making.
Lugo switched to the rotation last season in the absence of Stroman (opt-out) and Noah Syndergaard (elbow surgery), pitching for a 6.15 ERA with 36 strikeouts and eight walks over seven starts (26.1 innings).
Over the course of his career, the Louisiana product has a 2.53 ERA with 210 strikeouts and 47 walks over 188.2 innings in relief and a 4.35 ERA as a starter.
Jacob deGrom, Stroman, the recently acquired Carrasco, and left-handers Steven Matz and David Peterson are currently in the top five of the Mets.
While it’s not clear what the roster might look like when the camp opens in Port St. Lucie next month, Lugo could very well go back to the auxiliary force in 2021.
We’ll keep you updated on new developments as the Mets’ low season continues.
