The New York Mets have been one of the most active teams in free agency this offseason, making shrewd and solid moves in an otherwise stagnant offseason for most clubs.
Many teams have chosen to adjust their rosters via trade, rather than increase payroll. However, the Mets have made the most of their budget and reconnected with some familiar names.
With spring training underway, the season has begun for the Mets and they are ready to embark on the 2018 season. Let’s recap the team’s most significant acquisitions and signings thus far.
Anthony Swarzak
This signing was made to bolster the Mets’ bullpen depth, although he essentially replaces Addison Reed from last year’s team. It was still a necessary pickup to give new manager Mickey Callaway another option out of the pen besides Jerry Blevins, AJ Ramos and Jeurys Familia.
Callaway has stated that there will be a closer by committee this season for the bullpen, so there is no defined role yet for Swarzak. However, it will become clearer as the season goes on.
Jay Bruce
The Mets realized they traded away too much of their power from last season, so they brought back Jay Bruce to fill a hole in the outfield, and provide depth at first base. He will also take on a role as a leader in the clubhouse that was sorely needed for how young the team is.
Bruce led the Mets in hitting, home runs and RBIs before he was traded to Cleveland last summer. The team will expect more of the same productivity moving forward.
Adrian Gonzalez
The Mets brought in Gonzalez to be a placeholder at first base until Dominic Smith is ready for his next chance in the big leagues. He replaces Lucas Duda from last season.
While he won’t provide the offensive firepower that Duda had, he is a veteran and a natural at the position with a smooth glove that will help the youngsters around the infield improve their overall game.
Jose Reyes
This move was made purely for infield depth and allows the team to reconnect with a fan favorite. It also gives Reyes the opportunity to play for the one team that has always accepted him. He will be around to mentor the young Mets’ infielders, specifically Amed Rosario, who expressed his desire to the club to bring Reyes back in the offseason.
He will look to establish himself as a future star in his first full big league season. Reyes will provide infield depth as he is capable of playing third base, shortstop and second base.
Todd Frazier
In a much-needed move, the Mets not only improved their offense by plugging Frazier’s power into the middle of their lineup, but also solidified the team’s defense, as Frazier can pick it at third with the best of them. He has been rated one of the best defensive third basemen ever since he came up with the Cincinnati Reds.
He is also a large presence in the clubhouse. The team will hold him in high regard for his leadership skills on and off the field to go along with the many hits he will hopefully swat for the team during his tenure.
Jason Vargas
In a surprising late offseason signing, the Mets added some valuable pitching depth behind Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard by signing Vargas. He will almost certainly take up one of the five rotation spots for the Mets this season.
The signing also increases competition for the last two spots among the other young Mets hurlers like Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz, Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman. This will make an entertaining spring training.
Featured image by Elite Sports NY
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