The New York Mets have made several small roster moves but could be on their way to making a significant one in free agency.
As we all wait for the big chips to move in free agency—or trades, in the case of one really big chip who plays right field—the Mets have made some smaller moves. Michael Baron of SNY announced on Twitter that the team signed outfielder Zach Borenstein to a minor league contract.
Official: #Mets sign OF Zach Borenstein to a minor league contract and extended an invitation to major league Spring Training. Borenstein, 27, hit .279 with 27 doubles, seven triples, 24 home runs, 91 RBI and a .351 obp in 127 games with Arizona’s PCL affiliate Reno in 2017.
— Michael Baron (@michaelgbaron) November 22, 2017
Borenstein, who will be invited to major league camp, had a solid season in Reno last season, although it should be noted that offensive numbers are often inflated in the Pacific Coast League, home of the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate, the Las Vegas 51s.
He’s a solid depth signing for a Mets team that has some concerns about outfield health. Michael Conforto will be returning from shoulder surgery, and Yoenis Cespedes has a well-documented history of leg issues.
40-Man Roster Moves
Thursday, the team announced several 40-man roster moves on Twitter. Players on the 40-man roster can’t be selected in the Rule 5 draft.
We have added RHP Tyler Bashlor, RHP Gerson Bautista, infielder Luis Guillorme and RHP Corey Oswalt to our 40-man roster. The #Mets 40-man roster currently stands at 39.
— New York Mets (@Mets) November 20, 2017
Tyler Bashlor was the team’s 11th-round pick in 201 and split last season between St. Lucie and Binghamton. He had 13 saves and a 3.44 ERA between the two levels.
The Dominican-born Gerson Bautista was acquired in the July trade that sent Addison Reed to the Red Sox. He began last season with Salem, then joined St. Lucie after the trade. He had a 4.22 ERA, although his ERA after joining the Mets was 1.26.
Luis Guillorme, the team’s 10th-round pick in 2013, played for Binghamton last year. He slashed .283/.376/.331 and is known for his great defense. He made waves in spring training last season, casually catching a wayward bat in the dugout.
Corey Oswalt, the 7th round pick in 2012, has gotten as high as Binghamton. He had a 2.28 ERA while starting for the Rumble Ponies, and hopes to have similar success in 2018.
Santa Shaws?
The Mets have one more spot on their 40-man roster, and according to Mike Puma of the New York Post, it could be used on free agent relief pitcher Bryan Shaw.
It wouldn't be surprising if the Mets moved soon on bullpen. One name I keep hearing: Bryan Shaw.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) November 22, 2017
Shaw has spent seven years in the majors, pitching to a 3.13 ERA. He has a rubber arm, leading pitchers in appearances in 2014, 2016, and 2017. He has appeared in at least 70 games every year since 2013.
He pitched to a 3.52 ERA last season, the worst number of his career. However, that number would still make him one of the Mets best relievers.
Manager Mickey Callaway was his pitching coach with the Indians from 2013 through last season.
Shohei Can You See?
Lastly, MLB and NPB have agreed to a new posting deal, meaning superstar Shohei Ohtani should be posted soon, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
The two-way star is expected to be posted as soon as the deal is ratified, which is expected to happen around December 1st. He’ll have 21 days to sign a contract once he’s posted, so he should be signed by December 22nd at the very latest, meaning one fan base is going to get an early Christmas gift.
The Mets have indicated that they are interested in Ohtani, although it should be noted that every team is bound to be interested in signing him. He can only sign for a maximum of $3.5 Million, due to the fact that he is only 25 years old and an international free agent.
