This morning on MLB Network, Peter Gammons said he had feels MLB will protect the Mets first-round draft if they sign a player requiring draft-pick compensation.
If that happens, there is “real optimism,” according to Gammons, that free-agent OF Michael Bourn will sign with the Mets.
However, later in the broadcast, FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal said he doesn’t believe the league will protect the pick because it sets a precedent.
In either case, as has been reported time and time again, Gammons said the Mets will not give up their top draft pick to sign Bourn.
Matthew Cerrone, MetsBlog.com:
The Mets are interested in Bourn, that is clear. My sense from talking to people is, Alderson and Boras have an idea for what could get a deal done, including opt-outs, options, etc., which they probably discussed when meeting in Houston. Now, Alderson and his staff are either debating how or when or waiting on MLB to rule on if their pick is protected or not. If it’s not, the Mets move on. If it is, they’ll get back in contact with Boras and start figuring out details for a deal. But, in no situation will the Mets be signing Bourn if it’s going to cost that top pick. That’s a deal breaker, it seems, as it should be…
Jan. 31: The length of contract that Bourn is seeking, plus knowing he’ll cost a first-round pick as compensation, serve as impediments to signing the free-agent outfielder, Sandy Alderson said on SNY’s Mets Hot Stove last night. According to Alderson, potentially losing a top draft pick is not just about the talent that may be selected during that round, but it also impacts how much a team can spend in the draft due to newly imposed rules in the recent CBA.
Jan. 29: Alderson recently met with Bourn and Scott Boras last week in Houston, however the Mets do not want to offer Bourn more than a three-year deal (Sherman, New York Post).
Jan. 28: Bourn is still seeking a five-year deal (Puma, New York Post).
Statistics, information and analysis on Michael Bourn...
Jan. 27: Sandy Alderson said on MLB Network Radio he would like some sense of how the league will rule on the pick before signing a free agent who is subject to draft compensation, such as Bourn.
Jan. 20: The Mets will consider signing Bourn if he reduces his asking price and length of commitment (Cafardo, Boston Globe).
Stats: In 155 games with the Braves last year, Bourn hit .274 with a .348 OBP and .739 OPS, nine home runs and 57 RBI with 42 stolen bases in 55 attempts.
Contract: Bourn earned $6.8 million to avoid arbitration with the Braves last season.
Because Bourn received a qualifying offer from the Braves, his new team would lose their first round draft pick in the upcoming draft, unless they are among the top ten protected picks which are typically reserved for the ten worst teams in the prior season.
While, the Mets had the tenth worst record in 2012, the Pirates failed to sign their first round draft choice in 2012, and so they have been awarded the tenth overall pick in the upcoming draft, bumping the Mets to the 11th pick which is unprotected.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
Ideally, yes, Bourn is a fit and he would give the Mets outfield some instant credibility. He does strike out a lot, but he’s become an excellent top of the order catalyst as an outstanding base stealer with triples speed. The Mets don’t have much of that, and it’s something they have desperately needed since both Jose Reyes and Angel Pagan departed after 2011. But, a) he’s left-handed and the Mets need right-handed outfielders (although beggars can’t be choosers at this stage of the off-season), b) they need power in the outfield, c) Bourn is a Scott Boras client, and there’s no doubt he will try and get someone to overpay for Bourn, and d) he received a qualifying offer from the Braves, and so the team Bourn signs with will have to surrender their first round pick in the 2013 draft – it’s not logical for the Mets to give up that pick for Bourn right now, especially for a
shorter term deal. On top of that, Bourn depends on his legs to be successful, and he’s now 30 years old; it remains to be seen how quickly those skills diminish in the coming seasons.
This morning on MLB Network Radio, Sandy Alderson said it’s possible the Mets might not make a significant acquisition in the outfield this off-season.
“There’s not a lot left on the shelf,” Alderson explained. “At some point, we have to realize the outfield is not the strength of our team. But, at least going into Spring Training, we may be looking at what we have and not being able to make an addition.”
In regards to losing Scott Hairston to the Cubs, Alderson said Hairston wanted a full-time role and the Mets were considering other full-time options instead.
Last week, Terry Collins told Adam Rubin of ESPN New York he would consider both Justin Turner and minor leaguers Zach Lutz in the outfield. In addition, the Mets invited Matt Den Dekker to Spring Training.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
Right now, the outfield isn’t just a weakness, it’s an absolute joke… and putting more players out there who are out of position makes the mess messier. Frankly, if they can’t sign Michael Bourn, I’d rather they look at both Den Dekker and Jordany Valdespin as opposed to Turner and Lutz. Den Dekker is already an outstanding defensive center fielder, and Valdespin proved last season he is at least capable of playing there as well.
Terry Collins plans to look at both Justin Turner and Zach Lutz in the outfield this Spring, he told Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.
Turner has not played a game in the outfield in his Major League career.
However, Turner played eight games in the outfield while with the Reds organization in 2006.
Lutz has never played in the outfield in his professional career – he has played all but three games at first and third base.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
If that’s the case, I wonder if the Mets plan to look at Jordany Valdespin in the outfield as well. Yes, he hits left-handed, but he’s very athletic, and he looked pretty good in his few stints out there last season. The thing is, Lucas Duda is already out of position in the outfield; is it really a great idea to consider two or three other players – all with limited big league experience – in positions they’re unfamiliar with? The Mets just need to do something about the outfield before having to resort to this. Otherwise, they’re going to have a monumental mess out there right out of the gate…
The Mets will consider signing free-agent OF Michael Bourn if he reduces his asking price and length of commitment, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
However, Bourn received a qualifying offer from the Braves, which he declined. However, Bourn’s new team would be forced to surrender their first round pick in exchange for signing Bourn as a result of the qualifying offer.
Earlier this month, Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger said the Mets are not interested in surrendering their first round pick.
In 155 games with the Braves last year, Bourn hit .274 with a .348 OBP and .739 OPS, 9 HR and 57 RBI with 42 stolen bases in 55 attempts.
Matthew Cerrone, MetsBlog.com:
I still expect Bourn to either go back to the Braves or sign with the Rangers, but time will tell… He had a career year in 2012, so I’d be leery on overpaying and overcommitting to a guy who is 30 and relies so much on his legs. I like him, but not at the cost of Sandy Alderson’s first-round pick, nor in return for a long-term deal. Also, when Alderson decides one day to spend big bucks on a free agent, be it this winter or next, he needs to pay for power not speed. The Mets need outfielders today, but they don’t need the wrong outfielder.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
Ideally, yes, Bourn is a fit and he would give the Mets outfield some instant credibility. He does strike out a lot, but he’s become an excellent top of the order catalyst as an outstanding base stealer with triples speed. The Mets don’t have much of that, and it’s something they have desperately needed since both Jose Reyes and Angel Pagan departed after 2011. But, a) he’s left-handed and the Mets need right-handed outfielders (although beggars can’t be choosers at this stage of the off-season), b) they need power in the outfield, c) Bourn is a Scott Boras client, and there’s no doubt he will try and get someone to overpay for Bourn, and d) he received a qualifying offer from the Braves, and so the team Bourn signs with will have to surrender their first round pick in the 2013 draft – it’s not logical for the Mets to give up that pick for Bourn right now, especially for a shorter term deal. On top of that, Bourn depends on his legs to be successful, and he’s now 30 years old; it remains to be seen how quickly those skills diminish in the coming seasons.
The Mets have talked with Arizona about acquiring OF Justin Upton, but they refuse to give up Zack Wheeler or Matt Harvey to get him.
7:30 am: The Braves and Rangers still seem like the best fit for Upton. Though, teams interested in Upton may hold back and save their prospects for a possible run this summer at Marlins OF Giancarlo Stanton (Olney, ESPN).
Matthew Cerrone, MetsBlog.com:
This is the type of action that could lead Arizona to lowering their asking price for Upton or Kubel, assuming they’re hellbent on trading one of the two before the season starts. I think they’d prefer to do a deal now, because teams usually get more for position players in the off season not at the Trade Deadline. However, if you’re a Mets fan who wants Upton (or Jason Kubel) now, root for Michael Bourn to a take a one-year deal with the Braves, and root for teams like the Rangers and others to hold off for Stanton. In that scenario, I suppose it’s possible the Mets could wiggle back in.
By the way, I’ve been told the Marlins have no policy against trading their best players to a team in their division. The goal is always to make a deal that meets as many of their needs as possible, regardless of who they’re doing the deal with.
Jan. 15: Since the Mets are reluctant to give up Zack Wheeler, the two sides don’t see a fit for a trade (Heyman, CBS Sports).
Jan. 13: Kevin Towers is in no rush to deal Upton. He will only move him for a similar or better deal than what he agreed to with Seattle (Heyman , CBS Sports).
Jan. 13: The Mets are more interested in Upton than Kubel. Arizona has known since before the Winter Meetings that Alderson will not part with Zack Wheeler or Matt Harvey in a deal for Upton. The Mets will gladly get involved if the price drops, but talks will never pick up if Arizona continues to want Wheeler, Harvey or Travis d’Arnaud (Cerrone, MetsBlog.com).
For previous updates on this story, click here...
Jan. 12: The Mets and D-Backs have resumed trade talks, though there is still no indication Sandy Alderson will include Wheeler or Harvey (Carig, Newsday).
Jan. 12: The Mets are not interested in offering a similar package to what Seattle offered Arizona for Upton (Martin, NY Post).
Jan. 11: Arizona initially wanted the Mets to give up a combination of top prospects (Wheeler, Travis d’Arnaud, Wilmer Flores, etc.) and big-league talent (Harvey, Daniel Murphy, Bobby Parnell, etc.) in a deal for Upton; while Kubel will likely cost just two upper-level pitching prospects (Cerrone, MetsBlog.com).
Jan. 11: The D-Backs are shopping Upton and Kubel at the same time, to the same teams, and whichever player nets the better value, Arizona will likely make a deal (Cerrone, MetsBlog.com).
Jan. 11: Upton used his no-trade clause to block a deal that would have sent him to Seattle for four of the team’s top 10 prospects (MLBTR). The Mariners were ‘clearly overparing,’ and they’re fortunate the trade fell through, said a team executive (Crasnick, ESPN).
Jan. 7: The Mets talked to the D-Backs about Upton and Kubel, but found the price to be too high (Heyman, CBS Sports).
Contract: Upton will earn $9.75 million next season. His salary bumps up to $14.25 million in 2014 and $14.5 million in 2015, after which he is eligible to be a free agent.
Stats: Upton hit .280 with a .355 OBP and .430 SLG with 17 home runs and 67 RBI and 121 strikeouts in 554 at-bats in 2012.
In his career, Upton has hit .307 with a .937 OPS, 67 home runs and 219 RBI in 1297 at-bats at Chase Field, while hitting just .250 with a .731 OPS, 41 home runs and 144 RBI in 1366 at-bats on the road.
The Mets are interested in re-signing free-agent OF Scott Hairston, but they would prefer to bring him in on another one-year deal, according to multiple reports.
6:10 am: The Mets rejected Hairston’s asking price of two years and $8 million. The Mets countered with a one-year, $2 million offer, “leaving the two sides at a stalemate.” (Puma, New York Post).
Hairston hit .263 with a .299 OBP, 20 HR, 25 doubles and 57 RBI in 377 at bats for the Mets last season, during which he hit .286 in 189 at bats against left-handed pitchers. He earned $1.1 million on a one-year contract.
Matthew Cerrone, MetsBlog.com:
Yikes. That had to hurt. In addition to the Mets, the Braves and Phillies had shown interest in Hairston this winter, and now the Cubs. I bet the Mets know he knows he’ll get the most playing time in New York, giving him the best chance at making more money next season. Also, I’m sure none of these teams are willing to meet his two-year asking price, so they’re all low-balling him.
Jan. 15: The Cubs have talked with Scott Hairston (Heyman, CBS Sports).
Jan. 15: Scott Hairston is expected to make a decision this week (Bowden, ESPN).
Jan. 11: The Mets like Hairston, but they would like to acquire a bigger name outfielder first. If that falls through, they will move on signing Hairston (Heyman, CBS Sports).
Jan. 9: The Mets could give Hairston a two-year deal (Rubin, ESPN New York).
The Mets have reportedly had on-and-off talks with the D-Backs about outfielders Justin Upton and Jason Kubel through this off season, however reports continue to suggest Sandy Alderson is unwilling to meet Arizona’s asking price.
Last week in a conference call with reporters, Alderson said the Mets are not yet in a position to trade their best prospects.
The Rangers, Orioles, Padres and Braves have reportedly all shown interest in Upton and/or Kubel, though follow-up reports indicated all four teams were also unwilling to meet Arizona’s asking price.
Jan. 13: Kevin Towers is in no rush to deal Upton. He will only move him for a similar or better deal than what he agreed to with Seattle (Heyman , CBS Sports).
Jan. 13: The Mets are more interested in Upton than Kubel. Arizona has known since before the Winter Meetings that Alderson will not part with Zack Wheeler or Matt Harvey in a deal for Upton. The Mets will gladly get involved if the price drops, but talks will never pick up if Arizona continues to want Wheeler, Harvey or Travis d’Arnaud (Cerrone, MetsBlog.com).
Jan. 12: The Mets and D-Backs have resumed trade talks, though there is still no indication Sandy Alderson will include Wheeler or Harvey (Carig, Newsday).
Jan. 12: The Mets are not interested in offering a similar package to what Seattle offered Arizona for Upton (Martin, NY Post).
To see previous updates and information about this story, click here...
Jan. 11: Arizona initially wanted the Mets to give up a combination of top prospects (Wheeler, Travis d’Arnaud, Wilmer Flores, etc.) and big-league talent (Harvey, Daniel Murphy, Bobby Parnell, etc.) in a deal for Upton; while Kubel will likely cost just two upper-level pitching prospects (Cerrone, MetsBlog.com).
Jan. 11: The D-Backs are shopping Upton and Kubel at the same time, to the same teams, and whichever player nets the better value, Arizona will likely make a deal (Cerrone, MetsBlog.com).
Jan. 11: Upton used his no-trade clause to block a deal that would have sent him to Seattle for four of the team’s top 10 prospects (MLBTR). The Mariners were ‘clearly overparing,’ and they’re fortunate the trade fell through, said a team executive (Crasnick, ESPN).
Jan. 7: The Mets talked to the D-Backs about Upton and Kubel, but found the price to be too high (Heyman, CBS Sports).
Contract: Upton will earn $9.75 million next season, during which Niese will earn $3 million. Upton’s salary bumps up to $14.25 million in 2014 and $14.5 million in 2015, after which he is eligible to be a free agent.
Stats: Upton hit .280 with a .355 OBP and .430 SLG with 17 home runs and 67 RBI and 121 strikeouts in 554 at-bats in 2012. In his career, Upton has hit .307 with a .937 OPS, 67 home runs and 219 RBI in 1297 at-bats at Chase Field, while hitting just .250 with a .731 OPS, 41 home runs and 144 RBI in 1366 at-bats on the road.
The Mets are interested in re-signing free-agent OF Scott Hairston, but they would prefer to bring him in on another one-year deal, according to multiple reports.
Jan. 11, 1:36 pm: The Mets like Hairston, but they would like to acquire a bigger name outfielder first. If that falls through, they will move on signing Hairston (Heyman, CBS Sports).
Jan. 10, 3:06 pm: The Mets are hoping that, by waiting him out and by offering him the playing time they have available, Hairston will eventually agree to a one-year deal (Davidoff, New York Post).
Jan. 9, 2:53 pm: The Mets could give Hairston a two-year deal (Rubin, ESPN New York).
Jan. 9, 9:00 am: Yankees no longer seem as involved with Hairston as they once were (Heyman, CBS Sports).
Jan. 8, 7:30 am: Hairston is seeking a two-year deal, but a team official thinks he will consider a one-year deal if the money is right (Puma, New York Post).
Jan. 7, 10:00 pm: Hairston is deciding between the Mets and Yankees, and a decision could come in a matter of days (Matthews, ESPN New York).
Hairston hit .263 with a .299 OBP, 20 HR, 25 doubles and 57 RBI in 377 at bats for the Mets last season, during which he hit .286 in 189 at bats against left-handed pitchers.
To read analysis on Hairston, click here...
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
As of today, Hairston’s best chance to start would be with the Mets. That could change if the Mets acquire another outfielder. If they don’t, I really worry about Hairston in a regular role. He is a career .229 hitter against right-handed pitching and his OPS is 121 points lower against righties than it is against lefties. I like Hairston and the Mets need someone like him, but he is more valuable as a platoon player, not just for the Mets, but for any team that signs him.
Matthew Cerrone, MetsBlog.com:
I feel the same, but bet he ends up a platoon player with the Mets any way. At this rate, unless the Mets make a surprising trade, the early-season outfield is likely to be some rotating combination of Lucas Duda, Mike Baxter, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Hairston, Andrew Brown, Colin Cowgill and anyone else who owns a glove and flip-up sunglasses.
The Mets are interested in re-signing free-agent OF Scott Hairston, but they would prefer to bring him in on another one-year deal, according to multiple reports.
Jan. 10, 3:06 pm: The Mets are hoping that, by waiting him out and by offering him the playing time they have available, Hairston will eventually agree to a one-year deal (Davidoff, New York Post).
Jan. 9, 2:53 pm: The Mets could give Hairston a two-year deal (Rubin, ESPN New York).
Jan. 9, 9:00 am: Yankees no longer seem as involved with Hairston as they once were (Heyman, CBS Sports).
Jan. 8, 7:30 am: Hairston is seeking a two-year deal, but a team official thinks he will consider a one-year deal if the money is right (Puma, New York Post).
Jan. 7, 10:00 pm: Hairston is deciding between the Mets and Yankees, and a decision could come in a matter of days (Matthews, ESPN New York).
Hairston hit .263 with a .299 OBP, 20 HR, 25 doubles and 57 RBI in 377 at bats for the Mets last season, during which he hit .286 in 189 at bats against left-handed pitchers.
To read analysis on Hairston, click here...
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
As of today, Hairston’s best chance to start would be with the Mets. That could change if the Mets acquire another outfielder. If they don’t, I really worry about Hairston in a regular role. He is a career .229 hitter against right-handed pitching and his OPS is 121 points lower against righties than it is against lefties. I like Hairston and the Mets need someone like him, but he is more valuable as a platoon player, not just for the Mets, but for any team that signs him.
Matthew Cerrone, MetsBlog.com:
I feel the same, but bet he ends up a platoon player with the Mets any way. At this rate, unless the Mets make a surprising trade, the early-season outfield is likely to be some rotating combination of Lucas Duda, Mike Baxter, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Hairston, Andrew Brown, Colin Cowgill and anyone else who owns a glove and flip-up sunglasses.
Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post says the Nationals have agreed to re-sign Adam LaRoche.
Amanda Comak of the Washington Times says the two sides agreed to a two-year, $24 million contract with a $12 million mutual option for 2014 with a $2 million buyout.
Now that LaRoche is returning to Washington, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says the Nationals are speaking to teams about OF Michael Morse, and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports says the Mariners, Indians, Rangers, Rays, Yankees, Phillies, Mets and Orioles are all still looking for bats.
Jim Bowden of SiriusXM says the Nationals are seeking a left-handed reliever in exchange for Morse.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
The Mets have two pitchers on the active roster who might fit the criteria for what the Nationals are reportedly seeking for Morse:
Robert Carson and
Josh Edgin. However, I wonder if the Nationals would consider dealing Morse inside the division.
Morse had a breakout season in 2011, hitting a career-high 31 home runs with 95 RBI. He suffered through an injury-shortened season last year, but maintained his power upon his return. He has developed into a good power source from the right side and has shown he can handle the pitchers parks in the National League East, but he doesn’t walk very much and strikes out a ton as well. He is a poor defender, although he has experience at both corner spots and at first base. However, Morse is better than anything they have at the moment and could help fill a massive void from the right side.
Statistics and information on Michael Morse...
Stats: In 102 games with the Nationals in 2012, Morse, 30, hit .291 with a .321 OBP and .470 SLG, 18 home runs and 53 RBI with 16 walks and 97 strikeouts in 430 plate appearances in 2012.
Contract: Morse signed a two-year, $10.5 million contract before the start of the 2012 season. He will earn $6.75 million in 2013, and can be a free agent after the season.
