N.Y. Mets: The Cost of Painting the Town Orange

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Painting the Town Orange

The best trades usually are the ones you never see coming.  Congratulations to Sandy Alderson and his newly-assembled front office for their savvy and clandestine execution of one of the bigger blockbuster deals in Mets history.  

In this instance, actions truly spoke louder than words.  This acquisition has the potential of greatly impacting the Mets for many years to come.  Francisco Lindor is a premiere talent entering the prime years of his career.  So, if as a fan you were still somewhat skeptical before, then this should confirm beyond all lingering doubt that a new era is dawning over Flushing.

Since Steve Cohen finalized the New York Mets' purchase on November 6, 2020, Sandy Alderson has since hired general manager Jared Porter, executive Zack Scott, bench coach Dave Jauss, signed reliever Trevor May and catcher James McCann, albeit not necessarily in that order.  All of which was followed by this week's news of the trade for Lindor and Carlos Carrasco and sprinkled with subtle hints that the front office is still not through. 

MONEY STILL MATTERS

I am quite confident the Mets made this trade with the full intention of extending Lindor.  Considering their decision to part with both Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez, how can they not?  In the meantime, Francisco Lindor, this upcoming season, will earn money previously earmarked for (suspended) Robinson Cano.  So, not only will the Mets be negotiating a new pact with Lindor, Cano's salary returns on the books in 2022 and through the 2023 season.  Jacob deGrom's contract is also ballooning this season and next to $35 million (up from $25 million).  He has an opt-out clause after the 2022 season, but if he stays, deGrom will earn $32.5 million per year with a team option in 2024.  Then, Michael Conforto is to consider who is eligible for free agency after the 2022 season.  With several shortstops becoming available next season, the Mets could easily wait this out and let the market determine a price.  But sign him they must.  All these factors make me question the free-agent pursuits of George Springer and/or pitcher Trevor Bauer.

HISTORY ON METS SIDE

Mets history says they've benefited far more greatly via trades than through free agency.  Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, Al Leiter, Mike Hampton, Mike Piazza, Carlos Delgado, and even Yoenis Cespedes bear that out.  Even before free agency, Donn Clendenon and Rusty Staub no less prove the point.  Other blockbuster acquisitions of note include those for Frank Viola and Johan Santana.  Of all the Mets players transacted away in procuring said players, only Hubie Brooks dealt to the Expos in exchange for Gary Carter, which caused me to experience any emotional pain.  In any event, such key trades historically have been the Mets' traditional pathway towards the playoffs.