While there is no baseball being played as we speak, the New York Mets have quite a few interesting cases at hand when it comes to player contracts. Some of the deals that run through the 2020 season are Marcus Stroman, Jed Lowrie, Rick Porcello, Michael Wacha and Yoenis Cespedes, among others. But what about those who are up after 2021?
Two of the highest-profile cases in that last scenario are Noah Syndergaard and Michael Conforto. They are two of the Mets’ most important players, but if we read any indications, the former would prefer to test free agency while the latter is more likely and open to a future with the organization.
Mike Puma of the New York Post touched base with both players’ scenarios. “Both players can head to free agency after the 2021 season, but the fact Syndergaard underwent Tommy John surgery and likely won’t resume pitching until at least next June leaves him in limbo. The Mets could always offer him a one-year extension to minimize their risk on his elbow, but Syndergaard might want to bet on himself returning strong next year, showing he’s worthy of a free-agent deal in Zack Wheeler’s stratosphere.”
The Mets’ starter has hurdles to clear
The thing is, Syndergaard, who has been with the New York Mets during his whole career, will only have a few months next year to prove himself worthy of a big-money, multi-year deal. We know that a healthy Thor is easily worth a fortune, but who knows what will his performance look like after nearly a year and a half on the shelf?
In the case of Conforto, he is a valuable piece in the Mets’ puzzle. He has pop and he gets on base, which is the prototypical modern player. However, he won’t come cheap in an extension.
Regarding the matter, Puma said: “Conforto has repeatedly indicated he would like to remain with the Mets long term, but his agent Scott Boras is also known to push his clients to free agency. The time to extend Conforto would be soon — provided baseball resumes this season — but given the financial uncertainties facing the game, where do you even begin in trying to establish value for a player?”
In this specifical case, the issue would be establishing the Mets’ outfielder market value.