Progress on the Jay Bruce and Ian Kinsler fronts, Mickey Callaway’s elimination of the closer role, and more from Wednesday.
On the heels of their first free agent signing this winter—reliever Anthony Swarzak—the New York Mets made headway on another front after meeting with Jay Bruce’s agent.
According to the New York Post’s Mike Puma, the Mets have yet to make an offer but remain sufficiently interested. The team is looking to address their other needs before making a move.
Mets convened with Jay Bruce's agent, no offer on the table, but remain very interested. Team is first looking to address other needs.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) December 13, 2017
Back in November, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reported that Bruce was seeking a five-year deal worth as much as $18 million per season. The Mets are reportedly intent on only bringing the right fielder back on a three-year contract.
MLB teams that have inquired on FA outfielder Jay Bruce say he’s seeking a deal for 5 years in the $80-90 million range.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 9, 2017
Bruce is also believed to be drawing interest from the San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, Colorado Rockies, and Seattle Mariners.
Positive Health News (For Once)
Despite the fact that general manager Sandy Alderson doesn’t know whether to expect Michael Conforto to be ready for Opening Day, NJ.com‘s Abbey Mastracco tweeted that the Mets’ young star will begin swinging a bat in two weeks.
There’s a chance Michael Conforto will be able to swing a bat again in about two weeks. Won’t be that far behind.
— Abbey Mastracco (@AbbeyMastracco) December 13, 2017
Who’s On Second?
Detroit’s Ian Kinsler seems to still be the Mets’ top priority at second base. The Mets are one of 1-teams on Kinsler’s no-trade list, according to SNY’s Andy Martino, but neither side sees it as a dealbreaker if they were to reach an agreement. The 12-year veteran and four-time All-Star is due $11 million this upcoming season.
Kinsler does have Mets on no trade list but both sides were not thinking that would not be deal breaker if something gets done
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) December 13, 2017
Is The Dark Knight On The Move?
Despite trade rumors swirling around him, Matt Harvey may very well remain a Met in 2018. New manager Mickey Callaway and pitching coach Dave Eiland have both expressed their opinions on the matter and are heavily in favor of keeping Harvey on the staff, according to Puma.
Sandy Alderson says the Mets will keep Matt Harvey, based on Mickey Callaway and Dave Eiland's recommendation they do so.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) December 12, 2017
No Closer? No Problem!
Callaway remains uncommitted to a specific closer and hinted at a different approach for the club in the late innings. Per Puma, he plans to use his best bullpen arms in the highest leverage situations. While Anderson called Callaway’s plan “an interesting possibility,” he suggested that it was far from being set in stone.
Mickey Callaway says there will be no dedicated closer. Guys will pitch based on high leverage situations.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) December 12, 2017
Other Mets News, Stories
- ESNY’s Nicholas Santuccio reminds us that the Mets still have their core intact, and that’s a good thing.
- How would your life change if the Mets won the World Series? I share my thoughts on the dream we all hope becomes reality sooner than later.
