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I present to you, the MLB free agent class of 2017.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/03/2 ... gents.html
Free free to browse through it, but if you're in a hurry, I'll save you the trouble. Basically, if you're looking for a hitter, there is a whole bunch of suck on that list. Jose Bautista is probably the only game changer there. And he will be 36. Other than that, maybe Justin Turner or Carlos Gomez. Again, also on the wrong side of 30.
Anyway, I bring this up to illustrate the difference between next year's class and this year's class. This year's class offers two premiere outfielders in their 20's (Heyward and Upton). It offers another that just turned 30 (Cespedes) and a premier power hitter in Chris Davis (29). This year, if you spend the money, you can make a huge impact on your team. Next year, it might be harder.
Now, I realize that a lot of things can change in a year. We may have a complete different set of needs (or have no needs) at this time next year. Still, last year, we needed an impact hitter for the middle of the lineup, and here we are again.
And sure, you can always pursue trades. But trades require giving up talent. And in a weak free agent market, your leverage in trades is weakened. Bottom line, this offseason presents a very good opportunity to add talent. You have to take advantage of these opportunities when they are available.
What's that you say? Not worried about 2017 yet? A line of thinking around here is that if the Mets fall short this winter, they'll just add the pieces at the deadline like they did this year. A good idea in theory, but just remember how lucky we were this year to get it done. Next year, the guys on this list make up the rentals that will be available. And again, that doesn't mean other players can't be had, but free-agents-to-be-on-bad-teams are a big chunk of the pool in July.
I'm sure Sandy and his staff are aware of this. And I hope that this will push them to go get the players they need now.
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