Mets Offseason Preview

The Mets finished 2018 with a second straight disappointing season. They had a 77-85 record, but are convinced they can contend in 2019 and beyond. The Mets, as they currently stand, cannot contend. They have too many weaknesses and not enough top talent to compete with teams like the Braves or the Phillies or the Nationals. In order to compete, they need to go out and sign some players who will benefit the team. Here are some realistic signings that could make the Mets a playoff team in 2019(guys like Manny Machado, Bryce Harper, and Yasmani Grandal are excluded from this because the Mets said they are unlikely to pursue them):

Andrew Miller: The Mets biggest concern is the bullpen and Miller could provide some stability in the bullpen. While he suffered from injuries in 2018, he is a reliable arm when healthy. From 2014 to 2017, Miller was spectacular, averaging 65 innings a year, while having a 1.72 ERA. His 2018 should not be ignored, but one injury-plagued year should not scare the Mets away from an overall good relief pitcher.

David Robertson: Robertson won’t provide any eye-popping stats but he could be the most reliable relief pitcher on the market. He’s thrown at least 60 innings in every year since 2010, with a career 2.88 ERA. He’s had a 2.97 ERA since the start of 2015 meaning that he’s a reliable relief pitcher who could provide stability in the Mets bullpen in 2019.

Jeurys Familia: A familiar face in New York, Jeurys Familia played with the Mets for parts of 7 years before being traded to Oakland last year. Familia was a good closer, with a 2.66 ERA with the Mets. He set the single-season saves record for the Mets in 2016 and had a 1.85 ERA during the Mets World Series run in 2015. He’s familiar with New York, meaning that he’s comfortable and can play on the big stage. He’s also on the younger side of the current free agent relief pitchers, only entering his age 29 seasons in 2019.

Adam Ottavino: Ottavino is one of the riskier options on the free agent market. He had a phenomenal year in 2018 but he had an oblique injury in May, which is always a cause for concern. Although 2018 was dominant, you have to go back to 2012 to find a similar quality season from Ottavino. He could be valuable to the Mets bullpen, but he’s definitely among the riskier options.

Wilson Ramos: Ramos is one of the best options on the free agent market for a catcher. He’s the best hitting one for sure, but injuries have made him an unreliable option. Considering the Mets have one of the weakest catching core in baseball, though, Ramos is an appealing option. He’ll never play 140 games, but if the Mets are willing to accept 100-120 games from their catcher, they should try to sign Ramos.

Martin Maldonado: If the Mets want to go on the defensive on their catcher, Maldonado is a good option. Maldonado is a weaker offensive catcher, but he is a good defensive option. He’s a cheaper option for the Mets and would help the Mets pitchers. He’s a really good defender, although he’s a black hole in the lineup. If the Mets are willing to accept nothing offensively from their catcher and want to go cheap, Maldonado is their guy.

Josh Donaldson: Possibly the most expensive on this list, Donaldson is also the most unlikely. Third base is an issue for Mets, but bullpen and catcher should come first. That being said, Donaldson would provide the right-handed power bat that the Mets need. Although injuries derailed his 2018, Donaldson has been a quality hitter over the course of his career. As long as he doesn’t prevent any other guys from signing, the Mets should go after Donaldson.