Eppler, Mets not done yet this offseason
NEW YORK — Now that the Carlos Correa saga is prior to now, the Mets can transfer ahead with the remainder of their offseason. The bulk of their business is already full, having taken place throughout a December blitz that noticed proprietor Steve Cohen shell out almost half a billion {dollars} in assured contracts.
But ask basic supervisor Billy Eppler, and he’ll say the entrance workplace isn’t essentially finished. Here are three takeaways from Eppler’s convention name with reporters on Tuesday:
The Mets are nonetheless in search of assist in a number of areas
Asked particularly about outfield and bullpen assist, Eppler answered thusly:
“I’m still engaged in the market, talking to representation in both spaces — both in the outfield and the bullpen. Whether anything actually comes to fruition … remains to be seen. But definitely still having the conversations.”
The Mets already possess what Eppler known as “a strong and deep lineup,” however as their pursuit of Correa steered, there’s room to enhance. Although nobody like Correa remains to be hanging across the market, veterans reminiscent of Jurickson Profar and Adam Duvall may complement their lineup. Just a few influence relievers stay as properly, together with left-hander Andrew Chafin.
“This goes without saying,” Eppler mentioned, “and I’ve said it in the past relating to any one of the areas of the organization: You can always be better.”
Eppler politely brushed apart a query relating to potential contract extensions for Alonso and McNeil, two homegrown stars who every have two years remaining underneath workforce management. The window for locking up both participant on a team-friendly deal seemingly closed a number of years in the past, again earlier than Alonso and McNeil had established themselves as middle-of-the-order hitters of their primes. But the Mets ought to nonetheless have curiosity in discussing new contracts for each, contemplating their significance to the franchise.
The query is whether or not these extensions can realistically occur at this juncture. From the Mets’ perspective, Cohen simply ballooned the membership’s payroll to an historic stage, in some circumstances deferring cash in order to reduce his Competitive Balance Tax outlay. Given all that, it doesn’t make a ton of monetary sense to lock up Alonso to a richer deal when he’s making solely $14.5 million this season, or to barter with McNeil, who may obtain lower than half of that complete by way of arbitration.
Alonso specifically has been effusive in his love for New York, however it’s vital to keep in mind that business is business; he likewise doesn’t have a lot incentive, coming off a 40-homer season, to just accept something lower than the complete market worth for a premier first baseman. (Freddie Freeman and Matt Olson set that market with a six-year, $162 million contract and an eight-year, $168 million deal, respectively, final spring, and Alonso will certainly ask for extra.)
That’s a good distance of claiming that Eppler’s silence on Tuesday spoke volumes — as did Alonso’s when requested a few potential extension at a charity occasion in Tampa final weekend. (His recommendation? Ask my agent.)
When Correa signed with the Twins relatively than the Mets final week, the straightforward assumption round Flushing was that No. 2 Mets prospect Brett Baty would possibly profit by changing into New York’s full-time third baseman. Not so quick, although. While Baty will certainly have an opportunity to compete for the job in Spring Training, Eppler cautioned that incumbent Escobar stays an vital a part of the workforce.
“I will remind people that Escobar had a really strong year last year, and Brett’s callup was born out of necessity,” Eppler mentioned, referring to a string of accidents that prompted the workforce to advertise Baty forward of schedule. “I don’t want to forecast what will come at the end of March. That’s why we’re going to go down to Port St. Lucie, and that’s why we’re going to see what we see.”
Escobar hit 20 house runs final 12 months however was far more practical towards left-handed pitchers, suggesting a possible resolution through which he and Baty platoon to begin the season. These conditions have a manner of working themselves out, however one factor is evident: It’s not time to coronate Baty simply but, for so long as Escobar remains to be round.
