The signing of Adrian Gonzalez is already impacting the 2018 New York Mets, while Brandon Nimmo recently found himself at the center of trade talks.
Dominic Smith demoted?
Everything seemed to be trending in the right direction for Smith this offseason. After being publicly called out by General Manager Sandy Alderson in regards to his weight, he began to workout and diet more seriously with an eye on 2018.
Just a few weeks after the conclusion of 2017, Smith had already slimmed down a sizable amount. Here’s the full story on his offseason weight loss.
Dom Smith says he has lost 11-12 pounds since the season ended. He looks it.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) November 29, 2017
Even after notable progress, the Mets decided that signing Adrian Gonzalez as insurance in case Smith continues to disappoint in 2018 was necessary. However, the idea that Gonzalez was an insurance policy may have been wrong all along.
Heard the Mets are taking the approach that Adrian Gonzalez, if healthy, will probably be their first baseman to start the season. There is a good chance Dom Smith will begin the season at Las Vegas.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) January 16, 2018
It seems that the organization signed Gonzalez with the intent of reviving him to be their everyday first baseman. This development tells you all you need to know about the front office’s feelings towards a player that cost them a first-round pick to acquire.
Guillorme’s defense earns praise
One of the Mets top prospects, Luis Guillorme, earned high praise from MLB Pipeline this week as he was named to the outlet’s All-Defense Team.
With hands, reflexes & instincts as good as anyone's in @MiLB, #Mets' No. 11 Prospect Luis Guillorme is the 2B on our All-Defense Team: https://t.co/JmacBa1TmY pic.twitter.com/EAQO1rBrXm
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) January 15, 2018
If the hole at second base lingers into spring training, Guillorme’s defense could impress management enough to earn him a spot on the roster.
At just 23 years of age, the Venezuelan could become a contributor if his bat takes any semblance of a step forward from his .283/.376/.331 slash line in 2017.
Nimmo staying or going?
The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially sparked a fire sale after trading stars Gerrit Cole and Andrew McCutchen this week.
After they dealt McCutchen to the San Francisco Giants, rumors started to swirl claiming that the Mets nixed a Brandon Nimmo for Andrew McCutchen swap.
Mets wouldn't deal Nimmo for McCutchen, but may do so for Harrison https://t.co/0T2tbHBqxs
— SportsNet New York (@SNYtv) January 16, 2018
To summarize, the Mets value Nimmo enough that they decided he was not worth trading straight up in a deal for McCutchen who is an aging one-year rental.
However, the report does suggest that the team would be willing to use Nimmo as the ‘centerpiece’ in a deal for Pirates second baseman Josh Harrison.
Harrison still has three years of control remaining on his contract and his ability to play the outfield and third base as well offers versatility to a Mets roster that is currently lacking in that area.
Other Mets News, Stories
- ESNY’s Nick LoPrinzi details the Jay Bruce signing.
- ESNY’s Greg Cambareri discusses the possible fit of Nick Castellanos in the Mets infield.