Rumor Roundup: Mets Linked to Bellinger, Tucker and Frontline Starters
The new year has begun, and most of the big free agents and trade candidates are still available. Jon Heyman of the New York Post and Mark Feinsand of MLB.com broke down where these players stand. Both reporters linked the Mets to multiple players that could slot into either the Mets rotation or outfield.
Starting Pitching
Another domino is off the board as Tatsuya Imai signs with the Astros on a three year, $54 million deal that includes incentives and opt outs. Both Mark Feinsand and Jon Heyman stated that the Mets were not heavily involved in the bidding for Imai.
Per Heyman, the Mets are still looking to bolster the front end of their rotation and like Framber Valdez on a short term deal if his market lands there. President of baseball operations David Stearns was an assistant general manager in Houston when the Astros first signed Valdez as an international free agent in 2015. Feinsand also mentioned that the trade market could be where the Mets find a starter to lead their rotation and mentioned Brewers starter Freddy Peralta as an option. Heyman also linked the Mets to Ranger Suárez.
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Outfield
After trading Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for Marcus Semien, the Mets have at least one opening in the outfield. Heyman mentioned that the Mets have checked in on Kyle Tucker and speculated that while Tucker may not receive the $400 million contract that was expected in the beginning of the offseason, he should still end up in the $300 million range. Feinsand labeled the Blue Jays as the favorites for Tucker, but stated that the Mets cannot be counted out “given their need for outfield help and their general willingness to spend big when they feel it’s appropriate.”
Heyman mentioned that Cody Bellinger may be the best fit for the Mets due to his versatility and the expectation that he will command a shorter deal than Tucker. The Dodgers, Giants and Blue Jays have all been linked to him, but Heyman believes it will likely come down to the Mets or the Yankees. Heyman previously reported that the Yankees had made a formal offer to Bellinger. Feinsand stated that it is not believed a Bellinger signing is imminent.
The post Rumor Roundup: Mets Linked to Bellinger, Tucker and Frontline Starters appeared first on Metsmerized Online.