The New York Mets are always about spending money and having overreactions in the offseason. Owner Steve Cohen has always been willing to flash his cash in an effort to put a dominant team on the field. That part has not worked as the Mets have missed the playoffs each of the last two seasons and they are in last place in the National League East this year.
Obviously, this is not acceptable for a team that will leave no dollar unspent in an effort to bring talent into the organization. The biggest move was made two years ago when they signed Juan Soto as a free agent. They added veterans Marcus Semien and Bo Bichette last year. Semien, 36, is clearly an aging veteran while Bichette, 28, is still in the prime of his career.
The biggest radical change the Mets need to make is not making radical changes — with the exception of starting pitching. The Mets need a true ace for their pitching staff and there is one name that stands above all for the upcoming offseason in Tarik Skubal.
Pushing for top pitcher is vital
The assumption is that the Dodgers want to keep him in the fold and that he wants to remain with Los Angeles. However, nothing has been finalized yet and he is likely to hit the market after the World Series. The Mets should have the opportunity to get involved.
However, with this offseason likely leading to a major work stoppage along with his representation by super aggressive agent Scott Boras, a quick resolution to Skubal's long-term employment is unlikely.
The other pitchers likely to be available in free agency include left-hander Trevor Rogers of the Orioles and Brady Singer of the Reds. Both have some ability and should not be dismissed, but they are nowhere near as effective as the two-time Cy Young Award winner.
Mets already made radical move — making Andy Green permanent manager
The Mets fired manager Carlos Mendoza at midseason when they fell to 34-47 and were the biggest disappointment in Major League Baseball. They hired Andy Green as their interim manager, and the belief at the time was that he would finish the season and the Mets would go after a big-name to serve as the new bench boss.
That idea has been dismissed because the Mets have played well under Green and he has been rewarded with a contract extension that makes him the permanent manager. The Mets are 39-39 since the move, but they are 26-20 since the trade deadline.
The Mets decided to keep Green because he is a detail-oriented leader who has given the team a message that everyone can use. Green believes the little things count and that if they are done correctly, the big things will follow. He does not have a big name or the kind of reputation that the Mets were expected to pursue — former Red Sox manager Alex Cora is the biggest name available — but he may be right for this team.
A defensive realignment is in order
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In addition to Soto, Bichette and Francisco Lindor, the key to this team going forward are young players like Carson Benge, Brett Baty and A.J. Ewing. The Mets can have a very solid core with these six players.
There is little doubt that Lindor did not have the kind of year that is expected of him. He has slashed .225/.308/.422 with 20 home runs and 48 runs batted in. Injuries have held him to 102 games with just one weekend to go in the regular season, and he has not been the impact player at the plate that he has been in the past.
However, he has also struggled in the field. One of the things that the Mets may want to consider is moving Lindor to 2nd base and letting Bichette go to his natural position of shortstop. This may not be a great solution because Bichette is known as a far better offensive player than as a brilliant fielding shortstop, but it could turn out to be an unconventional move that works out best for both players.
A gamble that could pay off
Bichette is not a dynamic third baseman and moving him back to shortstop — the position he played when he was with the Blue Jays for 7 years — could turn out to be a relief for him. He did play 47 games at shortstop while Lindor was injured this season.
Moving to second base may seem radical for the 32-year-old Lindor, but he is still an excellent athlete and he could set the tone for his younger teammates by showing that he is willing to change positions. He does not look like a dynamic fielding shortstop at this point in his career.
Bringing in a top pitcher, moving Bichette to shortstop and Lindor to second base are the 3 radical moves the Mets need to make.