N.Y. Mets: Sandy Alderson Still Acting Like Smartest One in the Room

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Things That Make Go You Go Hmmm ...

The Washington Nationals recently signed Brad Hand to a one-year $10.5 million contract.  We know the Mets certainly could have used him.  Toronto also recently won the George Springer sweepstakes as the Mets refused to up their bid by another $25 million or so.  Then if you rewind back to December, the Mets acted (hastily?) quickly in signing free-agent catcher James McCann to a bargain rate $40 million over four years rather than pursue J.T Realmuto (who remains unsigned) at a higher premium.

HOT TAKE ALERT: This all wreaks of Sandy Alderson's sensibilities while under the Wilpons.

But, Mike, they traded for Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco.

Indeed, but they still need to secure Lindor long-term, and Carlos Carrasco figures to be a fourth starter at best.  I'd love to be wrong about the latter, but I'm just calling it as I see it.

An interesting dichotomy in the making ... the owner says go spend, yet they settle on McCann over Realmuto and do not up their ante for Springer. 🤔 I do not make Bauer a Met at his asking price.

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) January 23, 2021

Here's more food for thought: Jacob deGrom's salary spikes to $35 million this year and next, and he holds an opt-out clause after the 2022 season.  The aforementioned Lindor and Michael Conforto are both in need of contract extensions, and the presently suspended Robinson Cano also returns to the checkbook after the 2021 season.

Don't get me wrong.  I'm not complaining ... this is a transient mico matter, or so we hope.

It's just that the narrative since Nov. 6, 2020, coming from ownership, and the follow-up being pursued by Sandy Alderson is somewhat and strangely incongruent.