The New York Mets apparently have a lot of plans for this offseason even though they haven't been active just yet. The latest rumors find New York is exploring multiple options on both the free agent and trade markets.
Could Daniel Murphy return? Are the negotiations with Ben Zobrist legitimate? Who will play shortstop for the Mets in 2016? Who will replace Yoenis Cespedes in the outfield?
There are no definite answers, but the Mets are slowly inching towards figuring out what they can do.
"The Mets are expected to make a legitimate bid for [Daniel Murphy]," writes Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com. "And there is a belief within the organization that Murphy might consider the Mets even if they are not the highest bidder because he has been a member of the organization for his entire professional career and appeared to enjoy his time."
It's unknown how big of a contract Murphy will command, but ESPN Insider Jim Bowden predicts he will land a four-year, $48 million deal, which is likely out of the Mets' price range due to his age (he'll be 31 before Opening Day) as well as the future commitments they will need to make to other young players.
But remember, Murphy was open to discussing a contract extension during the season, so he could take a pay cut to remain with the team he's been with for his entire career.
However, can they keep Murphy and sign Zobrist? Bowden predicts Zobrist will get a three-year, $48 million deal in free agency. Nonetheless, Rubin and Marc Carig of Newsday both report the Mets remain interested in Zobrist and have been in contact with his representation.
Zobrist would give the Mets versatility in both the infield and outfield, which could be tremendously useful if they lose both Murphy and Cespedes. He would also be an excellent addition even if they are able to keep Murphy. It all depends how the market shapes up for Zobrist.
Murphy and Zobrist are just the beginning of the team's offseason plans.
"The New Mets are working along multiple tracks right now," Rubin added in another piece. "They are investigating options at center field to complement Juan Lagares, looking for trade partners for a potential upgrade at shortstop, and also are considering setup men to pair with Addison Reed as the lead-in to closer Jeurys Familia."
As for a center fielder, there are a few in free agency the team could make a run at. Dexter Fowler, Denard Span, Rajai Davis and Austin Jackson are among the best available. Fowler, who is projected to get a four-year, $60 million deal could be out of their price range considering Lagares just signed a $25 million contract before the 2015 season (although they could look to trade him). Span, Davis and Jackson could all be recipients of one-year deals.
The trade market could of interest to them as well, but that seems to be their main avenue to acquire a shortstop. Rumors suggested they could make a run at free agent Ian Desmond, but he's another player that is more than likely out of their price range. Some shortstops that may be on the trade market include Starlin Castro, Javier Baez, Zack Cosart, Eugenio Suarez, Elvis Andrus and others.
Those won't be easy acquisitions, but their search for a reliever could be. A number of MLB teams are open to trading relievers, as we've seen already with the deals involving Joaquin Benoit, Craig Kimbrel, Francisco Rodriguez and others this offseason. Maybe Brewers reliever Will Smith or Rays reliever Jake McGee could be on their radar. As for free agents, the top reliever, Darren O'Day, is seeking a four-year deal in the $28-$36 million range and Joakim Soria is looking for a three-year, $27 million deal. The Mets probably won't be in play for either of them.
Instead, free agents such as Matt Belisle, Tommy Hunter, Shawn Kelley, Ryan Madson, Jason Motte, Joel Peralta, Neal Cotts, Franklin Morales, Tony Sipp and others could be cheaper options.
The Mets have a lot to figure out and it's all contingent on what they're able to get done in the early going. The Winter Meetings should be when the significant moves start going down for New York.
