Reasons for Optimism Moving Forward

For those of us hoping for a glimmer of light for the upcoming season, let’s not forget that we have a host of kids coming.

We have had plenty of false hope over the years with guys like Alex Escobar, Bill Pulsipher, Paul Wilson, Jason Isringhausen and more, but the Mets have a steady crop coming, and while, as a fan, it’s tough to have to wait until next year before the season even start, there’s some reason for optimism moving forward.

Prospects

The Mets have the potential to have a dominant rotation, a la the San Francisco Giants did when they won the World Series. I can see a rotation of Zach Wheeler, Matt Harvey, Jon Niese, Dillion Gee and Jennry Mejia or Noah Syndergaard. That’s the Mets’ dream, a completely homegrown rotation with cornerstone guys like D’Arnoud, Ike Davis, Ruben Tejada and David Wright in the field.

Money Coming off the Books

1. Johan Santana- $25.5 Million: We will never forget the no-hitter, but this is likely his last year with the club. The Mets are moving towards youth, and he’s been injury prone and declining.
2. John Buck- $6 million (although $3 million is being paid by Miami): He’ll hit a few homers, but when the time is right and D’Arnoud is ready, he will become an afterthought.
3. Frank Francisco- $6.5 million: He’d have to have the best season of his career to envision a future beyond this season in Queens.

David Wright’s Extension

I had the same feeling going into the David Wright extension talks as I did with Mike Piazza. I wanted them to keep him, but I didn’t think it was going to happen. Luckily for us, I was wrong on both accounts, and the Mets were able to keep their cornerstone player. He also has just $11 million owed to him this season before it jumps to $20 million from 2014-18. He agreed to defer $2.5 million during those years to give the Mets a little more wiggle room.

There are Bargains on the Market

I scoured the free agent market (thanks ESPN) and came up with some guys that may have to prove themselves on one or sometimes two-year deals. Let’s take a look.

1. Matt Capps: He owns a career 3.52 ERA and would be a nice fit for Citifield.
2. Aaron Cook: Definitely looking to prove himself, and he’s a groundball pitcher. Would also be a nice fit for Citifield.
3. Kyle Farnsworth: Solid reliever who could be had, but it might take a 2-year deal to get him.
4. Brandon Inge: Has had tough times, could probably be snagged at no risk on a minor-league deal.
5. Carlos Lee: Do the Mets dare take a shot and risk defense? His power right-handed bat is surely tempting, and he’s still got some pop in that bat.
6. Matt Lindstrom: The fireballer has talent, and he was a pretty good closer at one point. Would probably have to fork over major league money on a 1-year deal to get him.
7. Juan Oviedo: More commonly known as Leo Nunez. Minor league deal and would be low risk. He was a good closer during his time with the Florida Marlins.
8. Jon Rauch: Proved enough last year, and the market’s been dry for him. It’d be worth another 1-year deal.
9. Francisco Rodriguez: Another guy who’s worth giving a shot. Although he comes with those crazy antics, the talent is there.
10. Chien-Ming Wang: Another guy looking to prove himself. No risk on minor league deal, although he may go back overseas.
11. Delmon Young: Going to cost you money and multiple years, but he’s right handed and would fit nicely in the line-up. PS- He looks like Jay-Z.

What do you think the Mets should do? Tell us in the comments section below.