Both the Mets and Phillies got very excited when former Cubs GM Theo Epstein left Chicago. Shortly after that, the Phillies were being reported to “aggressively” pursuing him, and then Epstein MLB.com has reported through sources that he didn’t have any interest in the two teams, so the search continues.
The Mets are going to speak with Indians GM Mike Chernoff if the Indians allow it. Chernoff gets a lot of credit for good drafts and having strong pitching staffs even with the departure of former Mets manager, Mickey Callaway, who was a pitching “guru” for the Indians’ franchise. This is by no means “in the bag”.
The Mets still have interest in Francisco Lindor and have contacted pitchers, Charlie Morton, Corey Kluber, and Trevor Bauer professed his like for Mets owner Steven Cohen on social media. At 34, Kluber could be a good, cheap fit. He’s a battler and a good guy to be around the younger pitchers. Injuries and inefficiency have plagued the former two-time Cy Young Award winner, but I believe he has something left in the tank, let’s see if the Mets feel that way.
One more bat that the Mets are pursuing is Marcell Ozuna, according to the New York Post. The former Atlanta Braves star who came in sixth in MVP voting would be a welcomed addition to the Mets’ poor fielding outfield. He would look great in left field. A much better addition than George Springer, although he plays center and would fill a need.
This just in, Robinson Cano will miss the entire 2021 season because of PED use, again. The Mets second baseman will forfeit his salary of $24 million dollars. This opens the door for Jeff McNeil to play second base full-time and that means more space in the outfield, so I think we know the Mets will be getting at least one outfielder this offseason.
The San Diego Padres are looking for a top of the rotation starter, like so many teams. Stephen Strasburg has an option in his contract but with his health issue (carpal tunnel) at the latest, I can’t see them going that route. Maybe Masahiro Tanaka is a better option. He’s gutted his way through his health issues and he’s out there and can still be a 1 or a 2 depending on the team. He’s had double-digit wins in the league until last year, and that season is a huge asterisk for a lot of players and the league quite frankly.
Speaking of the Nationals they signed a lefty reliever, Sam Clay. He got a major league contract. The 27-year-old was on the Twins “alternate” roster, you know, those guys who scrimmaged every day. Will he make the Nationals roster? There’s a good chance since their bullpen was a tire fire last season.
The San Francisco Giants lost a catcher, Tyler Heineman, who started for them this year when Buster Posey opted out. Posey and Joey Bart should still be fine for them unless Posey gets hurt again. This could be a big loss for them if that happens. Now Heineman has a chance to start for the St. Louis Cardinals if incumbent catcher, Yadier Molina, who is a free agent backstop, doesn’t sign with the Cardinals. He’s 38 and presumably, some team will sign him and try and get him as a part-time catcher. It appears there’s still some juice let in the orange in his case.
