Maybe the New York Mets won't disappoint this offseason after all.
New York is interested in signing utilityman Ben Zobrist in free agency and acquiring outfielder Jackie Bradley, Jr. from the Boston Red Sox, according to the latest MLB rumors.
There have been conflicting reports on the Mets and Zobrist, but here's the latest from the New York Post:
"Ben Zobrist will have his share of suitors this offseason - including the Mets - but early indications are the Yankees will not be among them."
"Instead, it's the Mets that figure to make a strong push for Zobrist, whose versatility would allow them to use him at second base and in the outfield. They are among the teams that already have formally reached out to Zobrist's agent, Alan Nero."
Earlier in the offseason rumors suggested the Mets were planning to meet with Zobrist's representation, but because he's expected to have a broad market, New York was going to be realistic about their chances of making a run at the veteran. The Cardinals, Royals, Nationals and other are among those interested in the 34-year-old.
However, the Mets need to replace the offense and defense that will be lost when Daniel Murphy and Yoenis Cespedes sign elsewhere, so perhaps they view Zobrist as a top priority because of his versatility.
They also apparently have interest in Jackie Bradley Jr., who many believe is on the trading block in Boston as the Red Sox look to sell high on his services after a second half surge. Bradley Jr., 25, batted just .196 in his first 164 career MLB games, but rebounded this past season and hit .249/.335/.498 with 43 runs scored, 10 home runs and 43 RBI in 74 games.
"A year ago, Bradley wouldn't have brought much in return," writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. "Now, the Mariners, Royals, Mets and Cubs have expressed interest, and perhaps the Nationals."
But what will the Red Sox want in return for the outfielder who's under club control through 2020? Probably a starting pitcher, and the Mets have plenty of those. However, assistant GM John Ricco said over the weekend that the Mets were not shopping Zack Wheeler, who seems to be the weakest link out of the group of Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz.
Bradley will not be cheap with what the rumors have been indicating.
"The GMs we spoke to said Bradley is one of the most coveted outfielders this offseason," Cafardo adds. "'His low cost, his elite defense, and his emerging offense' are major selling points, according to an American League GM. But those are also the reasons Boston wants to keep him."
At this point, acquiring both Zobrist and Bradley Jr. seems like a longshot for the Mets, but they surprised the MLB at the trade deadline when they landed Tyler Clippard and Yoenis Cespedes. General manager Sandy Alderson should be ready to make the appropriate moves when the time comes, as the Mets have a lot of the necessary pieces to return to the World Series.
