Day 3 of the Winter Meetings are upon us, and the Mets remain active in trying to bolster their 2020 roster. Here's the latest news today...
Dec. 12, 8:37 PM:
Now that the Mets have brought in some heavily sought pitching depth in Michael Wacha and Rick Porcello, where will they turn their attention next?
According to a report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Mets have had talks with the Rangers about a trade involving Dominic Smith and Jed Lowrie. Lowrie has also drawn interest from the Oakland A's, a team that has already traded for him twice in the past.
Meanwhile, the Mets may no longer be in the running for Dellin Betances, since the team is now likely to keep Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman in the bullpen with Wacha and Porcello competing for starting spots.
According to a report from Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Dodgers are now aggressively pursuing the veteran reliever.
And as for any potential Starling Marte trade, things seem to have been moving very slowly on that front, and while talks may not be dead, a deal is not close, either.
Dec. 11, 8:16 PM:
With the Mets working hard to finalize a one-year deal with Michael Wacha to help stabilize the starting rotation, it now seems like the Mets are exploring other potential moves.
SNY's Andy Martino has reported that the Mets have had dialogue with the Houston Astros regarding shortstop Carlos Correa.
Meanwhile, a report from the San Francisco Chronicle states that the A's are interested in a potential reunion with Jed Lowrie, a player whom Billy Beane has traded for twice before. The Mets have been looking to find a taker for Lowrie's contract.
Also of note, MLB Network's Jon Heyman has reported that the Padres are now in on the Starling Marte sweepstakes. The Mets and Pirates continue to be linked in a potential deal that could bring Marte to Queens.
Dec. 11, 4:10 PM:
The Mets are landing their first pitcher of the offseason, as SNY's Andy Martino says the team is "optimistic about finalizing" a one-year deal with RHP Michael Wacha.
After his All-Star appearance in 2015, Wacha has been up and down with the Cardinals. He had a 5.09 ERA in '16 and a 4.13 ERA in '17. Last season over 29 games, he had a 4.76 ERA over 126.2 innings after ownin a 3.20 ERA in '18.
The Mets will likely use him as their fifth starter, and hope Wacha can rebound in blue and orange in 2020.
Dec. 11, 3:32 PM:
Dellin Betances has been a name on the Mets' radar as someone who can bolster their bullpen tremendously next season. However, there are multiple teams that are thinking the same thing.
The Dodgers are among them, according to LA Times' Jorge Castillo. And The Daily News' Kristie Ackert has the Twins being interested as well. When he's healthy, Betances' stuff is closer worthy, and he would be a great asset to have throughout the season. Brodie Van Wagenen wants to fix his bullpen, and Betances is a great player to start with.
He'll certainly have his fair share of offers to choose from, though.
Dec. 11, 12:06 PM:
SNY's Andy Martino reported Tuesday that he is hearing the Mets are willing to trade Brandon Nimmo in a deal that suits it. With the Pirates looking for a major league outfielder in a Starling Marte deal, Nimmo would certainly fit the bill.
Would it be worth it though? That will be the ultimate question for GM Brodie Van Wagenen if Pittsburgh would want Nimmo in the deal.
The Mets are also still in conversations with the Pirates for Starling Marte, per SNY's Andy Martino. Despite trading for Jake Marisnick, they still have their eyes set on Marte, who would be a big upgrade at center field for the club.
Martino also adds here that Jed Lowrie's contract is being shopped, so they can clear some space to sign a pitcher. In the starter market, Rick Porcello is a name linked to New York, while Dellin Betances could be a huge bullpen signing to help that unit.
