The Crane Pool Forum

Kiley McDaniel has an insider article on ESPN that is pretty interesting. A little piece of it here:

To start, he says that the Mets payroll is about $358M, and has $173M coming off the books.

Let's assume in the rosiest situation the Mets bring back Alonso for $25 million per year and land the prize of the offseason in Juan Soto (and that Soto's CBT figure is the very round number of $50 million per year). The buzz is the Soto sweepstakes will primarily be between the two New York teams, and he fits the Mets' offseason needs almost perfectly.

Those two moves would put the 2025 payroll at roughly $255 million ($80 million less than the current payroll) with five spots left to fill

Assuming Soto/Alonso (or some fallback options), McDaniel says that those five spots are (1) CF, (2) DH, (3) SP1, (4) SP 3 and (5) Bullpen arm.

I would argue that CF could potentially be handled internally. Taylor is back, and both Drew Gilbert and Jett Williams can play CF. DH is similarly covered. Between Baty/Mauricio/Marte/Acuna, I think we have enough guys that could slot in at DH. If Baty is able to replicate his AAA success at the big league level, Vientos can always DH.

Which basically means we need pitching. I agree with McDaniel that we need two starting pitchers. But I think we need several relievers, and at least a few lefties and hope that someone pans out. I can't really picture Stearns spending a significant amount of money on relief pitching. And after this year, I have faith that he'll find some overlooked gems that will pan out (and discard the ones that don't). So basically we have enough money to sign any two starting pitchers we want.

Whether we choose to do so or not is another story. But what a great position to be in after years of suffering through the Wilpons.

If they don't get Soto and/or keep Alonso, the name that comes to mind to replace the power is Anthony Santander (Orioles) He's 29 and currently making $11.7 Million.
The only negative is I'm not sure how much of his home run power is attributed to playing in Camden Yards. (Maybe Edgy can provide his evaluation).
If there is a heavy park factor, he could turn out to be another Jason Bay (shudder).

Also- I'm not sure if Williams and or Gilbert will be ready to play center in the majors from the start of next season.

I'm also not sure if Manaea will take his player option for next year or decide to test the market. I hope he stays.
Later

MFS62 wrote: ↑Fri Oct 11, 2024 4:46 pm
I'm also not sure if Manaea will take his player option for next year or decide to test the market. I hope he stays.
Later

I believe Manaea has already indicated he'll head to free agency -- and would be crazy not to! Doesn't mean he can't be re-signed, of course, but he's going to be a lot more expensive.

I'd love to have Winker back, but I don't think there's a spot for him.

I don't know what to think about Soto and where he wants to be. I don't think Cohen will be outbid.

They will need 3 starters from the free agent market to accompany Senga and Peterson (and no, Megill and Blackburn should not be options).

Agree that signing Soto and retaining Alonso makes CF a low priority, particularly with Taylor under team control. I’d also retain Bader on similar terms as this year if he wants to come back.

I suspect that Pete is gone. Boras will keep him unsigned until March and the Mets won't wait around for him.

Sign Soto and Manaea and Fried. Move Vientos to first and sign Adames. It's not MY money so what the hell?

Youse mugs are hot-stovin' a little early.