Though the Mets look shockingly bad now, I get why they aren’t selling yet. They have a near-record $330 million payroll, and though they don’t have quite that type of talent, they should be much better than 22-33.
That said, they should start preparing for the possibility. Because when you’re on a 64-win pace past Memorial Day, you may well not contend.
Unfortunately, interviews with rival execs suggest a Mets sale would be solid but far from spectacular — maybe better than a Rockies sale, but not as fruitful as a potential Blue Jays sale or maybe even a White Sox or Marlins sale. One issue: It’d be almost exclusively guys on expiring contracts. So before advocating they “break it up,” consider a haul isn’t coming back. A rundown:
1. Pete Alonso
Though he’ll score big in free agency once non-contending teams are in play, sluggers generally are less coveted than pitchers at the deadline. Does anyone remember what the Yankees gave up for Anthony Rizzo? (Alexander Vizcaino and Kevin Alcantara) Or what the Red Sox surrendered for Kyle Schwarber? (Aldo Ramirez) Or for that matter what the Tigers got for J.D. Martinez? (Dawel Lugo, Sergio Alcantara and Jose King) The one exception was Mark Teixeira, who brought Texas a haul. But Teixeira had extra control when the Braves outbid the Yankees, Red Sox and others.
The Cubs are the obvious potential suitor. One rival suggested the Astros, Mariners and Jays as possibilities (if those teams buy.) One thing to remember: Because the Mets are again in Steve Cohen luxury-tax territory, they’d only receive a fourth-round draft choice if they tagged Alonso with a qualifying offer.
2. Luis Severino
The $13M, one-year deal should play. He’s dominated at times.
3. Sean Manaea
The player option on his $28M, two-year deal makes him slightly less valuable than Severino.
4. J.D. Martinez
The non-contending Angels were in late, and no one else was offering $12M-plus except San Francisco. Great hitter, limited market.
5. Jose Quintana
With an uneven 2024, a low-level prospect would be a coup.
6. Jake Diekman
Lefty specialist, reasonable $4M pay.
7. Jeff McNeil
The former batting champ’s salary ($12M) means the Mets have to offset big expense.
8. Starling Marte
Hard to see, unless they pay almost all.
