Eppler: Mets Still Have Room After Verlander Acquisition
Photo Credit: Corey Sipkin of New York Post
The New York Mets wrapped up day one of the winter meetings, securing another ace in Justin Verlander. The Mets new 1-2 of Verlander and Max Scherzer will command $86 million in salary next season and now need to plan their next moves.
Salary shouldn’t be a concern for the Mets but even Steve Cohen might have a limit for a single year. The good news is while holding court in a ballroom of one of San Diego’s premier hotel rooms, general manager Billy Eppler said the Mets aren’t done yet.
According to Eppler the Mets still have room to add multiple deals with a high AAV this year.
Eppler couldn’t discuss the Verlander deal because it’s not official but he could discuss a current free agent who is in San Diego meeting with teams. Brandon Nimmo is window shopping other clubs but New York and Nimmo – who is represented by Scott Boras – still have dialogue.
Eppler was curt in his response and did not say if the Mets would be a team meeting with him over the next few days. Of course, things can change but Eppler and his front office staff seem to be preparing for a life without Nimmo in centerfield. Earlier on Monday, it was reported the Mets were intrigued by free agent left fielder Andrew Benintendi.
The market for centerfielders is terrible this winter. Once you lose out on Nimmo the next best option is Cody Bellinger. The only other option would be a trade to acquire Bryan Reynolds via trade with the Pirates but they don’t appear intent on trading him this week and the prospect cost will be great.
Despite the bravado of having the richest owner behind him, Eppler and his staff will look to save money somewhere.
“You just have to get creative in other areas and be open to doing things in the trade market if they present themselves,” Eppler said.
Some names have surfaced but they don’t seem to be Mets fits just yet. Luis Arraez of the Twins is available for a premier pitcher. White Sox closer Liam Hendriks is as well but the Mets likely don’t want to have the two priciest relievers in baseball along with the two priciest starters.
Eppler kept his roundtable short and didn’t reveal much about the Mets plans. They already have the highest payroll in baseball for 2023 at $228 million. The Atlanta Braves currently have the second highest at $166 million.
Last season the Mets hit $268 million in payroll, second in baseball behind the $270 million spent by the Dodgers. The Mets need to finish this offseason by filling holes in the starting rotation, outfield, and bullpen.
The hot stove will continue tomorrow. The Mets aren’t set to fire up the burners immediately but there’s always a chance.
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