One Time Mets Target, Choo Signs With Texas

Choo deal is for $130M with texas
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 21, 2013

If you were in search of any additional evidence that this winter's free agent market is absolutely nuts, free agent outfielder Shin-Soo Choo just signed a 7-year, $130 million dollar deal with the Texas Rangers. You may recall that late this past summer, many baseball experts predicted that Choo would sign a deal in the 5-year, $80 million dollar range. Shows how much they knew...

Once upon a time, Choo was the top offseason target of the New York Mets. He was without question the ideal player to fill both their outfield and lead off needs. However the Mets were immediately out of the race when Choo's agent, Scott Boras, was reportedly seeking at a deal in excess of $100 million.

Ultimately, it will be $130 million for Choo.  It should be noted that he turned down a seven-year, $140 million dollar offer from the Yankees.  However, there is speculation that he will take home more money due to a lack of state income tax in Texas, with one source reporting that the Yankees bid would have to have exceeded $147 million to match up with that of Texas.

You may be thinking, if they Mets spent like the big market team they supposedly are, then why couldn't they make something like this happen. To some extend you're right, but contracts like this inevitably turn into an albatross.  Choo will be 38 years old before this contract expires.  That's a very dangerous deal for the Rangers, but there are in "win now" mode and the Mets most definitely aren't, yet.

Mets In The Mix For Nelson Cruz

The #Mets, after reaching agreement with OF Chris Young, remain in the mix for another right-handed hitting outfielder, Nelson Cruz.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 22, 2013

This was Ken Rosenthal's contribution to my morning.  Its good news, I suppose.  I certainly wouldn't want Chris Young to be the biggest addition to the outfield this winter.  That said, the notion of Nelson Cruz isn't quite what I was looking for when the offseason began.

Cruz ends up on the Mets radar in all likelihood because he will be a cheaper power hitter than Curtis Granderson.  His PEDs suspension last season aside, he has had some difficulty staying on the field over the length of his career, averaging out 120 games per season from 2009 to 2011.  He is however an upgrade in right field over what Marlon Byrd gave us last year.  If he's able to stay on the field, it would be safe to say that Cruz give you .260/30/90 potential, and immediately slots in behind David Wright in the lineup. 

I am curious about cost.  Cruz did receive a qualifying offer from the Texas Rangers, meaning the Mets would forfeit their second round pick next summer if they sign him.  This also means that he'll be looking for a deal with an annual value of between $12MM and $15MM.  It was reported earlier this winter that Cruz sought a five year deal worth more than $80MM, which was unanimously downplayed by insiders throughout the game.

The Mets need to make an impact addition in right field.  Cruz would fill that need.  Despite the fact that I would probably prefer Granderson, beggars can't be choosers.  I just want to see the Mets make responsible moves.  At the right number, Cruz would be just that.

Mets Will Pass On Abreu

Bidding on Cuba defector Jose Abreu is expected to be for a $70 million deal, sources say. White Sox,Astros, Rangers viewed as frontrunners.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 16, 2013

Aaaand that should be about all you need to know when it comes to a potential pursuit by the New York Mets for the Cuban first baseman's services.  As a wrote HERE a week ago, the Mets have two in-house options who have the potential to give you 20-25 home runs in Ike Davis or Lucas Duda.  While neither is likely the longer term answer at the position, the team has bigger needs in other areas.  There is simply no reason to allocate that type of money when other positions on the diamond are in much more dire straits.

The money being discussed for Abreu has actually gone up in the past week.  Likely due to the inclusion of additional teams like the White Sox and Astros.  However, Abreu is a one way player, offering a good but not elite bat.  He would be a liability at first and is ultimately headed to the American league where he can serve as a designated hitter sooner than later.