Mets Fans, it gets better. The Mets have signed 2022 AL Cy Young and 2011 AL MVP, Justin Verlander. However, this signing raises some questions. We will dive into what is next for the Mets during the Hot Stove. All of that and more, on Curveball: a New York Mets Blog.
Hello everyone I am Caden Philip, 2019 SNY Kid-Caster, and now the creator of the Curveball Podcast and Blog. Well, there is not a better time to start this up than now, the Hot Stove is lit and multiple deals have already taken place.
First, let’s discuss the non-Mets deals. The 2020 AL MVP Jose Abreu heading over to Justin Verlander’s former team the Houston Astros on a 3 year, $60 million dollar deal. Of course, we have the gut punch of a signing for Mets fans, 2018 and 2019 NL Cy Young and arguably the best pitcher in baseball WHEN healthy Jacob deGrom going to the Texas Rangers on a massive, 5-year $185 million deal with a 6th year option. If that option is picked up he will get $222 million. The AAV would be $37 million. The most recent news, Trea Turner has signed with the Mets rivals, the Phillies with an 11 year $300 million deal.
The Mets have been pretty active, Trading for Elieser Hernandez, resigning dominant closer Edwin Diaz and the big one, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN, a 2-year $86 million deal with a vesting option for the great Justin Verlander. Verlander has been fantastic throughout his entire career, playing for the Tigers and the Astros, he has a career, 3.24 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and is a part of the 3,000 strikeout club with 3,198 career strikeouts. Coming of arguably the Best Year of his career, in his age 39 season, he led the MLB with a 1.75 ERA and also led the league with a 0.83 WHIP, and had 185 strikeouts. He also came away with an AL Cy Young.
No questions asked, this guy is worth every penny of this deal, however one thing that bothers me is the AAV on Verlander’s deal was more than the offer that was proposed to deGrom. Granted, the Mets did not get that far down the road with deGrom, but at the end of the day deGrom made the right choice. However, the Mets gave him an offer for 3 years and $120 million giving him a $40 million AAV. Of course deGrom has been hurt a lot, only making 26 starts over the past two years, but deGrom is the best pitcher in baseball when healthy.
Verlander, is going to be great, there is not much risk here. With deGrom, the guy has been hurt. However, when on the mound, he is the best pitcher on Earth. The Mets at the end of the day did make the right decision. deGrom was not worth 5 years, with a 6th year option. It makes no sense due to his injury history, and the Rangers could suffer because of this.
However, I wish the Mets gave him a better offer. Something along the lines of 3 years, $135 million ($45 million AAV). I guess I’m being crazy, but give him something to think about.
On to things The Mets still have to do. One, get another Starting Pitcher. Something along the lines of a Chris Bassit, Kodai Senga, or Jameson Tallion. Next, they have to find a center fielder. Candidates include Brandon Nimmo or Bryan Reynolds. I saw a report by Timothy Rapp about the Mets talking to Andrew Benintendi. He is a solid bat that will get on base with a 0.373 OBP and provides good defense in a corner outfield position. For this to happen, The Mets would have to move Starling Marte to Center Field.
Personally, I love Nimmo. He is a Fan Favorite, makes the team better by having a 1.000 Fielding percentage and getting on base with .367 OBP. It is just a matter of how much he will cost.
Next, they need one maybe two more arms for the bullpen. They got Elieser Hernandez, and maybe they can resign Trevor May, or Adam Ottavino who posted a 2.06 ERA in 2022.
And lastly, GET RID OF JAMES MCCANN! He has been a $40 million dollar waste. Give him to the Rangers for any bullpen arm. Heck, I would pay for the snacks in their vending machine.
Well with that said, that will do for this first addition of Curveball: a New York Mets Blog. I will see you next time. LET’S GO METS!
This kid knows sports, knows BB, knows THE METS
As a life long Bo Sox fan I am interested in the ongoing process
of the Mets to restucture both the position players and the pitching.
Positive ideas/results will be smuggled to Sox front office!
This kid knows sports, knows BB, knows THE METS
As a life long Bo Sox fan I am interested in the ongoing process
of the Mets to restucture both the position players and the pitching.
Positive ideas/results will be smuggled to Sox front office!