The New York Mets wasted no time in settling potential arbitration cases with eight players. This allows them time now to focus on the completion of their offseason goals.
Peter Botte reports in the New York Daily News the New York Mets have settled on one-year contracts eight of the arbitration-eligible players. This includes, according to Botte’s sources, Matt Harvey, who agreed to a small bump on a one-year deal worth $5.625 million, while Noah Syndergaard also avoided arbitration following an injury-plagued 2017 campaign with a one-year contract worth $2.975 million, a sizable raise over the $605,500 he earned last season.
Jacob deGrom, the Mets’ only starting pitcher to make it through all of last season healthy, will receive a nice boost from $4.05 million to $7.4 million after going 15-10 with a 3.53 ERA and a career-best 239 strikeouts over a team-high 201.1 innings.
Botte also indicates sources also confirmed to the Daily News that the Mets have agreed to terms with Wilmer Flores ($3.4 million), Travis d’Arnaud ($3.475 million) and Jeurys Familia ($7.925 million) on new contracts for the upcoming season.
All of this means the Mets are now free to put the finishing touches on their active roster in preparation for Opening Day. Moreover, they have a better idea now as to where they stand from a budget and payroll perspective.
Zack Wheeler officially filed for arbitration, submitting a figure of $1.9 million, with the Mets countering at $1.5 million, and whichever way it goes the $400,000 difference will not have any impact on what the Mets decide to do from this point on.
What’s Next After Bruce?
Along those lines, John Harper, writing for the New York Daily News, makes the point that with “Jay Bruce back to provide a middle-of-the-order bat, I think [Eduardo] Nunez is the guy who makes the most sense. The Mets have talked to Todd Frazier about a short-term deal, likely two years, and he would provide more power, but is that a priority now?”
I tend to agree, especially when you consider Nunez as a roving infielder who can play second, third, and shortstop on any given day. Plus, in a pinch, he can play in the outfield as well.
At 31, Nunez seems to fit the Mets more than Jason Kipnis, who according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports almost became a Met in a trade with the Cleveland Indians that fell through on how much of the $30.5 million owed to Kipnis the Mets were willing to take on.
Either way though, the Mets will spend the remaining portion of their budgeted salary money for a second baseman. And that should put to rest any further Andrew McCutchen rumors.
50 Cent Gets A Re-do
Finally, last and least, Neil Best, of Newsday.com, reports the Mets have given 50 Cent a chance to “redeem himself” for the wayward first pitch he threw three seasons ago. I don’t know about you, but this makes it a cinch now that I have to get my hands on a ticket for this game, and one that’s up close and personal too.
