The New York Mets landed three All-Stars in a span of six days and are most likely finished making huge moves this offseason.
After a grueling, long and boring offseason for the most part that saw more players leaving than coming in, the New York Mets have had an exciting week.
First, the Mets agreed to terms on a three-year, $126 million deal with two-time All-Star infielder Bo Bichette to make him the team’s starting third baseman. This bombshell was dropped last week, just after outfielder Kyle Tucker landed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Then, less than a day apart, the Mets made two blockbuster trades: New York acquired former All-Star center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for young infielder Luisangel Acuna and prospect right-hander Truman Pauley as well as trading for two-time All-Star right-hander Freddy Peralta and righty Tobias Myers from the Milwaukee Brewers for prospect utilityman Jett Williams and prospect right-hander Brandon Sproat.
In the span of six days, the Mets landed their frontline starting pitcher, third baseman and center fielder after spending much of the offseason watching their star players leave for new teams.
What does this mean for the rest of the offseason? Based on the trade for Peralta, which included another quality arm in Myers, the expectation is that the team is done making large moves, at least pitching-wise.
Two-Time All-Star lefty Framber Valdez has been an option for New York, and the Mets were believed to be one of two most likely landing spots for his services alongside the Baltimore Orioles. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand gave his opinion on whether the Mets are done, mentioning Valdez in the process.
“I would have to think so. In the span of a week, the Mets have addressed their needs in center field, third base and at the top of the rotation, turning what had been a very quiet offseason into one of the busiest,” Feinsand wrote Thursday.
“As for the remaining free agents, some had pegged Framber Valdez as a good fit -- more on him later -- but with Peralta now headed to Citi Field, the rotation seems pretty set.”
Feinsand also mentioned how left field is still a question for the team but cited three internal options that will likely man the position. Veteran outfielder Tyrone Taylor, infielder Brett Baty and prospect outfielder Carson Benge may all get playing time at some point this season.
There isn’t a fit for Valdez anymore, who would have been the must-have guy had the Peralta trade not happened. The Mets seem set with Peralta, McLean, Tong and any combination of veterans that they have (and there’s a lot of them) for the starting rotation.