Mets Continue To Be Reactive In Free Agency

For all the talk we hear about the Mets looking forward and being proactive towards building a better, sustainable baseball team, they certainly are reactive when it comes to the free agent market.  Its never been much of a secret that the Mets would be operating on a fixed budget of sorts this winter, so why not set the market, rather than react to it.

Free agent prices sent skyward starting with San Francisco's extension of Hunter Pence to the tune of 5 year/$90 million dollars.  That deal set the market price on the higher end of the outfield market.  Marlon Bryd's deal, which could be as much at 3 years/$24 million dollars, set the market price on the lower end.  Each deal greatly impacted what the Mets could accomplish this winter.

The same can be said for the pitching market, which saw Latroy Hawkins exit for a mere $2.5 million guarantee from the Rockies.  More recently, it was Phil Hughes' 3 year/$24 million dollar deal in Minnesota that may eventually impact the Mets pursuit of Bronson Arroyo.  These guys aren't getting cheaper, and the Mets are getting increasingly likely to be left out in the cold.

The notion here isn't to argue whether or not free agents are worth the contracts they're getting.  In many cases they are not, but it remains apparent that team's always overpay for quality talent. That is especially true when teams are looking to rebuild a franchise on questionable financial grounds in a stadium that players are less than thrilled to play in.  The Mets have a variety of hurdles they must clear when they enter the market.

And yes, I realize its not as simple as saying the Mets need to act first.  Players wait out the market in an effort to see if their value will increase.  They may have desires of playing for a contender and see the Mets as their backup plan.  However, the Mets need to make things happen.  They cannot afford to "see whats left" later on in the winter, as Sandy Alderson has now alluded to.

The Mets may have had genuine interest in being active this winter, but by not getting out in front of the market they have allowed things to spiral out of control.  Misreading the market several years ago cost Sandy Alderson a chance to resign Jose Reyes.  This winter it may cost Alderson the offseason renovation the Mets have been promising their fans for years.

Nelson Cruz Seeks 4yrs/$75 Million, Mets Pretend They're Still Interested

Welp..this winter has spiraled out of control rather quickly.  The Mets remain in "sticker shock" over free agent prices that Jeff Wilpon described as "scary".  They declined to overpay on Jhonny Peralta who managed an absurd 4yrs/$53 million.  Hell, the Mets wouldn't even give LaTroy Hawkins a paltry sum of $2.5 million next season.  Meanwhile, according to Jon Heyman the Mets remain interested Nelson Cruz despite the fact that he's seeking a contract of 4yrs/$75 million.

You'll have to excuse me if you expect me to believe that Sandy Alderson is going to drop nearly all of his remaining budget on an outfielder who will turn 34 next season.  An outfielder who not only lost 50 games to the Biogenisis scandal last season, but one who will also cost him a second round pick in next seasons amateur draft.

Ultimately, Cruz is shooting high as he should.  I suspect it will take something in the neighborhood of 4yrs/$64 million to retain the slugger's services.  Jhonny Peralta's deal proves there is little hesitation in the market to bring on a potential PEDs issue, but the outfield market is much deeper than that of shortstop.  As a result Cruz's offense will bring him a few more millions, but he'll fall short of the amount he's publicly seeking.

The Mets too will fall short.  They'll fall short of their fans' expectations.  They'll also fall short on their own plans to improve the roster, because I highly doubt their interest in Cruz is genuine.  Its not in line with everything they've said this winter, and this will be the most recent market they're priced out of.

Hawkins Heads West

Photo Courtesy of @Lets86It

Soon to be forty-one year old middle reliever and impromptu late season closer Latroy Hawkins signed with the Colorado Rockies yesterday in a move that sent a surprising ripple through the Mets fan base.  Hawkins deal nets him $2.25MM for 2014 where he'll assume the Rockies closer's role.  There is also a team option for 2015 that could see him remain with the club if things go well.  This is his second go around in Colorado where he was part of the 2007 team that made it to the World Series.

Fans took to the airwaves to condemn the Mets for not signing Hawkins, who by all accounts far exceeded expectations last year.  Reportedly the Mets had made Hawkins an offer, but it was well below that of the Rockies.

Look, I realize Hawkins was pretty good last season and I understand the need to have a veteran in the bullpen, but I am not about to hold the Mets hostage over their decision not to overpay for a reliever who will be forty-one next season.  Hawkins arm has been ageless, but with nineteen seasons under his belt he too will turn into a pumpkin one day.

Ultimately I think the uproar for Mets fans has more to do with the fact that they haven't signed anyone, than actually losing Hawkins.  Bullpens generally get overhauls on an annual basis and the Mets haven't been any different in recent years.  The Mets will need to bring in some arms to compete for spots this spring, but with youngsters like Vic Black and eventually Jack Leathersich, the Mets pen isn't in as bad a shape as everyone would like to think it is.

Good luck to Hawkins, as this deal was a no brainer for him.  I hope he does well and blows only a handful of saves this season..preferably against the Mets.

Hawkins Close To Returning?

Photo Courtesy of @Lets86It

LaTroy Hawkin's pursuit of playing on an eleventh team in his major league career may be cut short, as Kristie Ackert of the NYDN is reporting that he is likely to be retained by the New York Mets.  Ackert cites the fact that Sandy Alderson is in direct discussions with Hawkin's people as the reason for this assertion, stating that while no numbers have been exchanged, Alderson's involvement indicates a deal is close.

Hawkins, who will turn 41 this December, made just $1MM in 2013 and is likely in line for a raise of some sort.  He made 72 appearances for the Mets on route to posting an ERA of just 2.93.  He also stepped into the closer role following Bobby Parnell's injury, on his way to earning 13 saves with only one blown opportunity.

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Hawkins had a terrific season with the Mets last year.  The only cause for concern has to be his age, however he pitched well into the 90s last season with what seemed little effort.  Provided this deal is struck at a number that doesn't obstruct the rest of the Mets' offseason plans I am all for it.  His experience is invaluable, as he may be able to tutor youngsters such as Jack Leathersich when he makes his way to Queens later next season.  It is also good to have another closer option if necessary.  Hopefully the two sides can get things worked out sooner than later and Alderson can move on to the bigger fish he has to fry.