The New York Mets have slowly but surely done their homework when it comes to putting together a competitive team in 2020.
Last week, they went from having a clear need for a fifth starter to boasting one of the most in-depth units in baseball in a span of two days. They secured the services of righties Michael Wacha and Rick Porcello on short-term deals.
They were also busy trying to restructure Yoenis Cespedes’ contract, which they succeeded at. They also had their eye on Pittsburgh’s starting center fielder Starling Marte, although that rumor lost traction.
The Mets were, reportedly, interested in bringing Dellin Betances to bolster the bullpen, but there are other teams in on him, as well.
Here are the New York Mets‘ rumors, news, and facts of the day:
Anthony DiComo: Michael Wacha will earn, at least, $3 million in 2020. However, his contract with the Mets comes with incentives that break down like this:
-$500,000 at 10, 14, 18 starts (or relief outings of 3+ innings pitched to protect against the Mets using openers), then $500,000 more for each start from 20-30. Total: $7 million.
DiComo notes that there’s also up to $1.35 mil in relief pitcher/award bonuses. He can earn more than $10 million if he hits all the incentives and bonuses.
Max Goldstein: The Mets are ranked sixth among the teams with the highest projected wins above replacement (WAR) totals for 2020 according to Fangraphs’ Depth Charts. Here is the full ranking:
- Astros (53.8)
- Yankees (51.4)
- Dodgers (49.9)
- Red Sox (47.5)
- Rays (44.1)
- Mets (43.3)
- Angels (43.2)
- Athletics (41.3)
- Twins (41.2)
- Nationals (41.0)
National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum: On this day 37 years ago, the New York Mets were welcoming back Tom Seaver, “The Franchiseâ€, after a stint with the Cincinnati Reds.
Big Blue Unbiased: While the excess in starting pitcher may have lead some to believe that the team would trade one to fill another need or bolster another position, that apparently won’t happen for now. Rumors had, specifically, Noah Syndergaard switching teams but that is “off the table,” per reports.
Syndergaard is a fantastic rebound candidate, and trading him at the moment would be selling low given that other teams may try to point out his 4.28 2019 ERA.