The last big item on the Mets shopping list is a center fielder. George Springer is their top target; Jackie Bradley Jr. could be the bailout option. It’s being reported that the Blue Jays and Mets are the teams closest to getting Springer, but the talented outfielder just stated he would like to play close to his home in Connecticut. Buffalo or Toronto, wherever the Jays play isn’t close, Flushing and the Bronx are, but it’s doubtful the Yankees are in on him, so what’s the hold up here? The Mets should give a final bid with a deadline.
Springer will play center field for two more years is my guess then he’ll probably move to a corner outfield spot as he gets older. Still, the Mets have wanted him from the onset, but he’s been reluctant to sign, probably holding out for his best total dollar figure. How long are the Mets willing to wait? Spring Training starts next month, and you’d like to have your roster close to set in the next week or two for sure.
J.T. Realmuto is Still Out There
If the Angels are indeed out on Realmuto, then who’s left? The Blue Jays and maybe that last minute surprise team. In the meantime, the Phillies let it be known they made a nine-figure offer to the talented backstop. But will five years of around $100 million get is done? I’m not so sure. I wonder if Realmuto will sign a short-term deal now, and when the game is back on its feet, then he tries to break the catching record for salary. Would he sign for a one-year high AAV salary with a winning club? BTW, AAV seems to be a new term for baseball fans but hockey fans have been talking in those terms since the salary cap era.
Maybe that surprise team could be the Los Angeles Dodgers. They have weak catching depth and Realmuto might want to catch on with a winner in hopes they can repeat as World Series champions. I wouldn’t be shocked if that happened.
The Phillies did bolster their bullpen with the signing of Archie Bradley. It’s a one-year deal worth six million dollars. Last year the Phillies bullpen was bad, but it could be a lot better this year with one more key acquisition. The big righty is versatile and can pitch late innings and close out games if necessary. Is Realmuto waiting to see if the Phillies make a few more moves before signing on the dotted line? There’s a chance that can happen as well.
I liked the Nationals signing of Kyle Schwarber. If MLB decides last minute there’s a DH, he’s the guy. He’s made for that, but again, we don’t know for sure if that will happen this season. It’s not supposed to, but anything is possible.
Schwarber has a good arm in the outfield but is a below-average fielder. They got him for good old-fashioned power. He’ll take some walks too, so the Nationals will get more run production when he’s in the lineup.
