Have the Mets done enough this off-season to contend with the Nationals for the 2018 NL East title?
When will Sandy Alderson and the Mets’ front office make the splash that will put them back on the map and into playoff contention?
In 2017, the moral of Mets’ fans plummeted during a hugely disappointing 70-win season. It didn’t help when their cross-town rivals reached an agreement on a deal for 2017 NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton.
Mets are banking on Nimmo (photo, Mack’s Mets – blogger)
When asked about why he didn’t pursue Stanton, Alderson said: “With Brandon Nimmo in right field you think we need Stanton?” Alderson was implying that Brandon Nimmo, the 24-year old with a 1.0 career WAR and just six career home runs, is comparable to Giancarlo Stanton.
When the Pirates called about a deal that would have sent Andrew McCutchen to New York in exchange for a group headed by Nimmo, Alderson turned it down. According to Ken Rosenthal, Alderson denied the deal because asking for Nimmo was simply too much.
Amid fans’ outcry to spend and not save, Alderson inked a deal with Anthony Swarzak, the former Brewers’ reliever (2.48 ERA, 2017) to bolster a lackluster bullpen. Then the Mets brought back Jay Bruce on a three-year, $39 million contract. The Mets also re-signed fan favorite, Jose Reyes, as a utility man in the infield. And to fill a hole at third base, Alderson signed former Red and Yankee third basemen, Todd Frazier, for 2-years and $17 million.
Still at issue is whether the Mets will make a move for top free agents–players like the Diamondbacks’ J.D. Martinez and the Cubs’ Jake Arrieta.
It’s highly doubtful. I think the Mets will stand pat, satisfied to have a power trio of Michael Conforto, Yoenis Cespedes, and Bruce, and a rotation that has potential to be among MLB’s elite.
Is there enough reason for Met’s fans “to believe?” Have the Mets done enough to contend with the Nationals for the 2018 NL East title?
With hope eternal in New York, ya just gotta believe!
