The New York Mets and general manager Brodie Van Wagenen kept themselves busy throughout the offseason. They brought in two different managers, signed a few pitchers, and avoided arbitration with all nine of their eligible players. Spring Training is just about a week away, and the roster seems complete. These small additions can make enough of an impact to get the Mets over the hump.
Russell Martin still hasn’t signed with a team. If he hangs em up, this will be the final hit of his career. @Dodgers please bring him back as a coach in some capacity pic.twitter.com/Q1rbzZZcm6
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) February 2, 2020
Russell Martin is no longer the All-Star quality catcher he once was but is still a very serviceable backup. He is heading into his age-37 season, and while his best hitting days are far behind him, he is an excellent defensive catcher. If the Mets can bring in Martin on a minor league deal for Spring Training, it would be a low risk, high reward move. The catching core behind Wilson Ramos is Tomas Nido, Rene Rivera, and unproven prospects. If Ramos were to miss an extended period, Martin would be a good fit for the Mets.
Pat Neshek
Injuries have limited the veteran Pat Neshek during the last two seasons, and at 39-years old, there is no guarantee his body holds up again. Much like Martin, he would be a low-risk move who has a 2.82 career ERA. With the flame throwers the Mets have in the bullpen already, Neshek would round out the bullpen with a strong arm if he stays healthy.
Danny Salazar, Cruel 3 Pitch K Sequence (88mph Change, 87mph Change, 97mph Fastball). ? pic.twitter.com/Zlbn9OKe9W
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 28, 2017
Danny Salazar is a huge wild card the Mets can afford to take a risk on. Another minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training would allow the Mets to find out what they have in Salazar. Before injuries derailed his career, he was an All-Star in 2016. Salazar would be good insurance to have as a starter, but he looks more like a reliever at this point in his career. He can focus more on getting through one inning instead of 100 pitches. Salazar’s strikeout numbers already slotted well for a reliever, and he could add an extra strikeout artist to the bullpen.