The Mets should be looking to improve their bullpen, as well as add an everyday catcher, at least one impact hitter and depth beneath the entire roster.
Here are the latest headlines and rumblings from each of the above markets, followed by my take on how things currently stand and may shake out...
The power-hitting, everyday position player
In trade talks for LHP James Paxton, the Yankees and M's also discussed sending SS Jean Segura to the Bronx, according to Jon Morosi of MLB.com.
The D-backs have yet to have substantive trade talks with teams interested in 1B Paul Goldschmidt, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Rosenthal believes the Astros and Cardinals have so far showed the most interest in Goldschmidt, who is due to earn $14.5 million next season, after which he will be a free agent.
MY METS TAKE >> The way this is playing out reminds me a lot about similar past situations when we hear about vague trade rumors only to see the player sign an extension to remain with the only team he's ever known. That said, even if Goldschmidt is truly available, it's hard to see the Mets giving up what is needed in trade when they have power-hitting 1B prospect Peter Alonso waiting in the wings...
The everyday catcher
Free-agent C Kurt Suzuki signed a two-year, $10 million deal to join the Nationals.
Multiple teams are showing significant in trading for Indians catcher Yan Gomes, Rosenthal tweets.
Gomes is due $7 million in 2019, after which he can make a combined $20 million the next two seasons unless his team buys out his $2 million to make him a free agent.
In 2018, the 31-year-old catcher hit .266 with a .313 OBP and 16 home runs in 435 plate appearances.
MY METS TAKE >> Gomes seems like the type of catcher that Brodie Van Wagenen might target. His offense is down, he got super lucky on balls in play last season, and he never walks. That said, he's still a very good defensive catcher with a strong arm, which is -- from what I understand -- what the Mets are prioritizing when looking for a backstop. Lastly, and possibly most important, Mets manager Mickey Callaway knows Gomes well, having worked closely with him during his time as pitching coach in Cleveland.
The cost to get Gomes should not be super high given his salary. I think if a team is willing to take on the bulk of his remaining deal, which technically can end at any time after each of the next three seasons, the acquiring team would not need to give up elite prospects.
The Noah Syndergaard rumors, starting pitcher market
The Yankees have officially struck a deal to acquire Paxton from the Mariners. Top pitching prospect Justus Sheffield is coming to Seattle in return. Completing the return are outfielder Dom Thompson-Williams and righty Erik Swanson.
Hot stove rumors continued to swirl Monday about the potential landing spots for Noah Syndergaard, who multiple reports indicated could be available in trade.
Adding to speculation about Syndergaard's future, SNY's Andy Martino cited MLB sources that told him the Mets are exploring potential free-agent starting pitchers, such as Patrick Corbin, J.A. Happ, Dallas Keuchel and Nathan Eovaldi.
MY METS TAKE >> I'm not sure there's a whole lot to gleam from the Yankees-Paxton deal as it pertains to the Mets and rumors about dealing Syndergaard. The Yankees needed a potential ace and they certainly had interest in Syndergaard. However, my understanding is that if the Mets move Noah it'll be for an impact position player under contract for at least two more seasons. I don't see Syndergaard getting dealt for a package of prospects like Paxton got for the M's, who are planning long term -- not like the Mets, who intend to compete next season.
Matthew Cerrone (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Contact) is lead writer of MetsBlog.com, which he created in 2003. He also hosts the MetsBlog Podcast, which you can subscribe to here. His new book, The New York Mets Fans' Bucket List, details 44 things every Mets fan should experience during their lifetime. To check it out, click here!
