The Mets are bringing again one favourite whereas rumors and experiences about one other appear to be altering by the hour.
After hitting .243 with three residence runs in 44 common season video games for the Mets final season, the commerce deadline acquisition endeared himself to followers and teammates alike with some clutch hits within the postseason. Whereas Winker may need been reviled by different followers across the league, the 31-year-old was embraced by Mets followers for his type of play and his character on and off the sphere.
A Buffalo native who grew up in Orlando, Winker already had a familiarity with a few of his Mets teammates, together with Francisco Lindor and Edwin Diaz, from his days enjoying journey ball in Florida. It was an prompt match after he got here to New York in a commerce with the Washington Nationals in July.
Now, let’s discuss Pete Alonso.
Over the vacations, there have been experiences of a $90 million contract being supplied by the Mets to Alonso. Then, there was a report that his agent, Scott Boras, was looking for a deal within the $200 million realm, similar to the contract the Detroit Tigers gave Prince Fielder in 2012.
The Mets wish to have their group in place earlier than spring coaching, which is lower than a month away, and so they’re nonetheless skinny on aid arms. If they should fill first base, Mark Vientos would transfer throughout the diamond from third base. Nonetheless, that leaves a gap on the sizzling nook. Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña may fill that spot, however that’s a bet.
Mauricio had two knee surgical procedures within the final yr and will not be prepared for spring coaching. Acuña deserves a runway in spring coaching, particularly after placing up gaudy numbers in winter ball (.337 with a .914 OPS and three residence runs in 119 plate appearances), however the 22-year-old has by no means performed third base at any skilled stage.
Then there’s Baty, who has not panned out because the Mets had hoped after drafting him within the first spherical in 2019. Baty took a giant step defensively early final yr, however couldn’t hit sufficient to remain within the massive leagues. The Mets have mentioned the potential of utilizing him in a utility position and had him play second base in Triple-A, but when he’s nonetheless hitting the ball on the bottom and never hitting it arduous, it could be robust to justify placing him within the lineup daily.
Alonso lengthens the lineup and makes the Mets higher defensively on the appropriate aspect, particularly since Soto’s one deficiency is his outfield protection. With the Mets eying a title, a 3rd base platoon doesn’t seem to be a good suggestion. But when a deal isn’t reached with Alonso, it may very well be what the Mets determine to go ahead with.
