As long as top free agents are available, and Cody Bellinger remains one late into January, it is never smart to rule out the New York Mets.
However, after trading for center fielder Luis Robert Jr. on Tuesday night, there’s a distinct chance that the Mets’ player position group heading into spring training is set, league sources said.
Things can change quickly at this point in the offseason, but people familiar with the Mets’ thinking aren’t expecting another big-dollar acquisition. A smaller addition for the lineup, perhaps an outfielder for a relatively modest price, shouldn’t be ruled out, but any such acquisition would likely be minimal. The Mets are said to like their position player group.
The Mets do not have a firmly established left fielder. If the Mets’ roster holds, possible options for left field include Tyrone Taylor, Brett Baty and top prospect Carson Benge, who has yet to debut in the majors.
New York president of baseball operations David Stearns has consistently left the door open for Benge to make the team out of spring training. However, the Mets won’t force the issue if they don’t think he’s ready. Other players lower on the depth chart expected to compete for outfield reps in spring training include Cristian Pache and Ji Hwan Bae.
The Mets are still expected to pursue pitching help. There may be a slightly higher likelihood of the Mets trading for a starter than signing one in free agency, league sources said. The Mets remain in contact with the Milwaukee Brewers about Freddy Peralta, who is set to be a free agent after the season.
If New York fails to strike a deal for Peralta or anyone else on the trade market, they could look explore mid-tier free agents such as former Mets pitchers Chris Bassitt and Jose Quintana. The best free-agent starter available is Framber Valdez.
The Mets have yet to add to their rotation. In the bullpen, they signed free agents Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. In an overhaul of the lineup, the Mets have added infielder Bo Bichette (set to play third base), second baseman Marcus Semien, infielder Jorge Polanco (set to play some first base) and Robert.