Dec. 2, 1:50 pm: In a post to Twitter, Buster Olney says the perception among rival executives is that it’s now much easier to trade R.A. Dickey without a PR backlash now that they’ve signed David Wright.
According to Sullivan, the Rangers want to meet with the Mets regarding Dickey at the Winter Meetings.
The Rangers originally selected Dickey in the 1996 first-year player draft. He went 16-19 with a 5.72 ERA 77 games and 33 starts with the Rangers from 2001-2006. The Rangers sent Dickey to the Minor Leagues in 2005 so he can begin learning to throw a knuckleball.
Michael Baron, Contributor
Dec. 2, 1:50 pm: I don’t think it’s as simple as those rival executives suggest. I think most fans understand the team needs to improve, and trading Dickey – one of the few players with any trade value on the roster – might be that ticket to do so. But while many fans understand that, they still don’t want the team to trade Dickey. The connection he has with the fans is undeniable, and that has significant value as well.
Dec. 2, 9:37 am: If R.A. were to wind up in Texas, his career would officially come full circle. It remains to be seen if the two teams can find a match, and it’s worth noting that Texas reportedly was unwilling to deal top prospect Jurickson Profar (a shortstop) in a deal for Justin Upton. Mike Olt could be an option although he projects more as a corner infielder at this time. No matter what, like I said yesterday about a deal with the Royals for Wil Myers, Texas has to be weary of dealing such young, high ceiling guys for a 38-year-old pitcher.
Previous updates and information on R.A. Dickey...
Contract: The Mets exercised their $5 million option for Dickey for 2013. He can become a free agent after next season.
Stats: Dickey went 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA, having allowed 192 hits and 54 walks with 230 strikeouts in 233 2/3 innings. He became the first Met to win 20 games since Frank Viola in 1990, and won the 2012 National League Cy Young Award.
Reports:
Dec. 1, 2012: In a post to his blog for ESPN, Buster Olney says the Mets have increased their offer to R.A. Dickey, although it is not known if it’s close to what Dickey is seeking.
Nov. 30, 2012: MetsBlog’s Matthew Cerrone said the two sides are considering a meeting in Nashville next week, with all key parties present, at which point the situation could hopefully reach a conclusion, assuming any last minute efforts to trade him fall short. Right now, people in baseball tell Cerrone the Mets can probably lock up Dickey for the next three years at around $25 million.
Dickey is at the hotel is to meet with trainer Ray Ramirez for a checkup on his abdominal surgery he underwent in October.
Last week, R.A. Dickey told reporters he would be willing to sit in on contract negotiations with the Mets during the Winter Meetings. However, he does not currently have plans to meet with the Mets on a new contract, although he is willing to return to the Winter Meetings to discuss a new contract during the week.
“I don’t really know if I can throw a percentage down on [remaining with the Mets], but that’s my hope,” Dickey said, according to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports. “That’s 100 percent my hope. That being said, you never want to be taken advantage of.”
Dickey did say there has been progress on contract talks since David Wright agreed to his new extension, but did not say whether or not he was more or less optimistic a deal would get done, according to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post.
Dickey intends to be in New York on Tuesday to be on “The Daily Show.”
“They know they can’t get in on Greinke. And they feel like they have a shot to win that division if they get the right guy. So I think they pull the trigger,” the executive told Stark.
Yesterday, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports said the Royals have shown interest in R.A. Dickey, but would prefer to trade a younger package of prospects to acquire him as opposed to dealing top outfield prospect Wil Myers.
Myers, who will be 22 on Opening Day, hit a combined .314 with a .600 SLG, 37 home runs and 109 RBI and 140 strikeouts between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha in 2012. He has not yet played in the Major Leagues.
Michael Baron, Contributor
I still think it’s unlikely the Mets will be able to pry Myers for Dickey. I’d do it if they can. But Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com ranks Myers (who is big league ready) as the third best prospect in the game, and it’s awfully risky to trade that kind of talent for an aging pitcher – even though he won the Cy Young Award in 2012 – regardless of their current need.
If Sandy can wait and see what happens with Greinke (who Stark says could sign during the Winter Meetings), he can conceivably create a market among those who fail to sign him (including the Royals) and see if a bidding war ensues for Dickey. Perhaps the Mets can entice suitors by allowing them a negotiating window for a new contract with Dickey. But if an attractive deal doesn’t emerge, then they can look to secure Dickey, as Matt has said before.
While both Dickey and the Mets have attempted to workout a contract extension, Heyman says, Sandy Alderson has been given clearance to pursue trading Dickey.
“There have been trade talks starting about a month ago, but they may accelerate now, provided Dickey doesn’t lower his demands soon. The Mets will seek a catcher and outfield help in any trade,” Heyman explains.
Heyman says the Royals have shown interest in Dickey, but would prefer to trade a younger package of prospects to acquire him as opposed to dealing top outfield prospect Wil Myers.
Myers, who will be 22 on Opening Day, hit a combined .314 with a .600 SLG, 37 home runs and 109 RBI and 140 strikeouts between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha in 2012. He has not yet played in the Major Leagues.
In a post to his blog for ESPN, Buster Olney says the Mets have increased their offer to R.A. Dickey, although it is not known if it’s close to what Dickey is seeking.
According to Olney, the Mets were “stunned” by the $12 million contract Andy Pettitte and the Yankees agreed to earlier this week.
On Tuesday, Dickey told reporters the Mets had made a formal offer and he had countered, but he had not heard back from the team as of yet at that point.
If a new extension is not signed by the Winter Meetings, Dickey said he intended to personally sit in on negotiations. However, as of yesterday, there were so such plans a meeting in Nashville, Brian Costa of the Wall Street Journal said on Twitter.
Yesterday, MetsBlog’s Matthew Cerrone said people in baseball believe Dickey can be locked up for the next three years for around $25 million, “The Mets haven’t pulled the trigger, so I assume this means they’re still listening to offers for trades from other teams.”
Matthew Cerrone, Lead Writer
Dec. 1, 6:55 pm: Initially, I heard Dickey was seeking at least a three- or four-year extension, but I never got clarity on if that includes next year’s option or not. WFAN’s Mike Francesa reported hearing something similar, as well. However, there have also been plenty of reports suggesting Dickey would accept a two-year extension. So, who knows where this is at…
In regards to trades, it’s very simple, the Mets are open to trading Dickey or Jon Niese to get a young, major-league, right-handed ready bat, either to play in the outfield or behind the plate. If this can happen, one of the two will be moved. If it can’t, they won’t, and instead they’ll look to sign a mid-tier free agent to fill the void in the outfield, and likely pick up a catcher that was recently non-tendered. The other day I speculated that the Royals, D-Backs, Blue Jays and Angels all have interest in Niese, and maybe Dickey, considering reports linking them to similar targets. But, it seems to be a buyer’s market, because there are free agents and other young pitchers out there available in trade.
Michael Baron, Contributor
Dec. 1, 6:55 pm: If the Mets can get Myers for Dickey, the unemotional side of me says it’s a no-brainer. Andy Martino of the Daily News recently said the Mets are seeking a “monster package” in return for Dickey. A package around Myers fits the profile of such a package. But I understand why the Royals might be hesitant to deal a 22-year-old top prospect for a 38-year-old pitcher, even though that pitcher is the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner. That’s not meant to be a knock on Dickey – he has been tremendous, but it’s simple baseball sense for the Royals to not trade what could be a tremendous part of their long-term future for an aging pitcher. If they would consider dealing Myers, I would expect the Royals to be seeking young (and quality) insurance along with Dickey if they saw the Mets as a match.
Dec. 1, 12:02 pm: It makes sense for the Mets to spend the early part of the meetings trying to gauge Dickey’s trade value before re-engaging in talks. They will reportedly not trade Dickey if they sign him to an extension, and so they should see how the market develops before they try and lock him up. A lot could be determined by where Zack Greinke signs, assuming he gets a deal done this week. The teams who lose out on the Greinke sweepstakes could conceivably turn to the Mets for one of their pitchers, creating a strong market which didn’t necessarily exist before.
I keep hearing from people in baseball who say the Mets can lock up R.A. Dickey for the next three years at around $25 million. However, they haven’t pulled the trigger, so I assume this means they’re still listening to offers for trades from other teams.
However, the offers have been underwhelming, according to reports, so I bet they’re leaning toward keeping him. And, I hear the two sides are considering a meeting in Nashville next week, with all key parties present, at which point this could hopefully reach a conclusion, assuming any last minute efforts to trade him fall short.
This is why I still believe Jon Niese is significantly more likely to get traded next week than anyone else on the roster, which is something I’ve been saying for nearly a year. I think they’ll do it if he can deliver a legit, major-league bat, like a Justin Upton or a Wil Myers. However, the Mets won’t move Niese if the offers continue to be weak.
Teams with interest in Niese are also talking with free-agent Zack Greinke and communicating with the Red Sox about Jon Lester and the Rays about James Shields, and probably other young pitchers. It’s an educated guess, but I assume the Royals, D-Backs, Blue Jays and Angels all have interest in Niese, considering reports linking them to similar targets.
Basically, I’ve been told Sandy Alderson is essentially playing this like Billy Beane handled Gio Gonzalez last winter, and he’ll only pull the trigger if the market comes to him. He isn’t going to chase it and make a deal just to make a deal… but, moving Niese is clearly an option and something being considered, as it should be. His big problem seems to be the Rays, who are also desperately looking to acquire a similar young bat, but they have more arms to trade.
So, if it’s a buyer’s market, which it sounds like it is, I hope the Mets keep Niese and keep Dickey. I’d love to have Upton, and especially Myers. The Mets need a legit bat. But, if that can’t happen, I’d rather they spend new money on low-cost, random bats and see what sticks than move a valuable arm (like Dickey or Niese) to get young hitters who may not help for another two or three years. I’m all for planning for the future, but the Mets also need to be better now… not just tomorrow.
Nov. 27, 10:15 am: R.A. Dickey told reporters this morninghe is surprised by how slow contract negotiations are going with the Mets. He would not say if talks are going in the right direction because they are not far enough along in the process.
Dickey said the Mets have made a formal offer and he has countered, but he has not heard back from the team as of yet.
If a new extension is not signed by the Winter Meetings, which start next week, Dickey said he intended to personally sit in on negotiations.
He also said again that he will not negotiate during the season.
Dickey does not want to test free agency a year from now. Instead, he says he wants security from the Mets going forward.
Matthew Cerrone, Lead Writer
10:15 am: I’m obviously confused about R.A.’s demands. I originally heard from sources that Dickey would be seeking at least three guaranteed years on top of 2013, with maybe a fourth-year option. However, the Daily News and others have reported that he’s willing to accept just two years beyond 2013. So, I can’t tell what’s what. But, I do know the team is being rather reserved with how they’re promoting him and utilizing him this winter, and I’ve heard that’s not an accident. I suspect they’re keeping plans for Dickey close to the vest as they continue to balance exploring the trade market for him and signing him to a reasonable extension.
Previous updates and information on R.A. Dickey...
Contract: The Mets exercised their $5 million option for Dickey for 2013. He can become a free agent after next season.
Stats: Dickey went 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA, having allowed 192 hits and 54 walks with 230 strikeouts in 233 2/3 innings. He became the first Met to win 20 games since Frank Viola in 1990, and won the 2012 National League Cy Young Award.
Nov. 8, 2012: The New York Post’s Joel Sherman says the Mets are beginning to gauge Dickey’s value on the trade market at the GM Meetings and will weigh their findings against keeping him through 2013 and not signing him to an extension. The Mets remain conflicted as to how to deal with Dickey’s contract situation, Sherman concludes.
According to Rosenthal, the Mets offered Wright a six-year, $100 million contract extension on Monday, according to major-league sources. However, Wright prefers a deal of seven years or longer, sources say.
Matthew Cerrone, Lead Writer
This is getting old… and quick. I still think there is zero chance Wright is traded this winter, even if a new contract isn’t worked out. I put Dickey being traded at 49%. But, I’m growing more and more skeptical that new contracts will get done, and that’s ridiculous. I mean, if the Mets really want these guys back, just sign them already…
I’ve written over and over and over again that, while Wright is seeking $20 million a year and at least seven years guaranteed, the Mets have so far only offered six years and around $17 million a year << click to tweet this
As Rosenthal points out, a six-year, $100 million extension would keep Wright on the Mets for as long as as Ryan Zimmerman is on the Nationals, but three years less than Evan Longoria will be with the Rays. Guys, just give him the seventh year. He’s earned it in sweat and off-field capital, I’d say. Also, put a C on his jersey while you’re at it…
Michael Baron, Contributor
11:38 am: Based on what Dickey said and Martino’s report, it looks like the Mets could be focused on getting Wright’s situation squared away first. It would be nice of both deals were wrapped up before the Winter Meetings begin next week so the Mets could focus their efforts on improving other areas of the roster. It would also ease my nerves and create stability in their situations and the team’s situation, things I’ve said the Mets have needed to show since the off-season began.
However, Rosenthal says it remains to be seen whether Dickey will accept the offer.
Yesterday, MetsBlog’s Matthew Cerrone said, “The Mets are likely offering him a two-year deal,” probably around $10 to $12 million a year, though Dickey is said to be seeking at least three guaranteed years to start after 2013.
In a poll on MetsBlog.com yesterday, 66% of voters said the Mets should sign Dickey to a contract extension, which is up from 37% last month. Similarly, only 30% of voters said yesterday the Mets should trade Dickey, which is down from 53% from before he officially won the Cy Young Award.
Martino has said on several occasions that the Mets believe Dickey will accept a two-year deal, though a trade is still possible.
This past Wednesday, Dickey told SNY’s Kevin Burkhardt on Mets Hot Stove he would like to finish his career with the Mets.
“I think [Sandy Alderson] has a great plan for the future of the New York Mets,” Dickey said. “I’m sure it’s going to require a little vision, I’m sure it’s going to require a lot of hard work. But anything worth having – that’s what’s required. I’m on board, and I want to be part of the solution here.”
However, in a conference call with the Baseball Writers Association on Wednesday night, Dickey said he does not want to be taken advantage of in a new deal.
I wonder if the Mets might also include a vesting option or two at the end of the deal. Also, would such an offer partly replace his 2013 option, which was exercised earlier in the off-season? In that scenario, the Mets would be able to mitigate their risk of Dickey declining, all while giving them the flexibility to move him down the road if they choose to. Given Dickey’s age and how he feels about the Mets and the organization’s direction, that might be an appealing scenario for him.
Contract: The Mets exercised their $5 million option for Dickey for 2013. He can become a free agent after next season.
Stats: Dickey went 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA, having allowed 192 hits and 54 walks with 230 strikeouts in 233 2/3 innings. He became the first Met to win 20 games since Frank Viola in 1990, and won the 2012 National League Cy Young Award.
Nov. 8, 2012: The New York Post’s Joel Sherman says the Mets are beginning to gauge Dickey’s value on the trade market at the GM Meetings and will weigh their findings against keeping him through 2013 and not signing him to an extension. The Mets remain conflicted as to how to deal with Dickey’s contract situation, Sherman concludes.
Today in Coney Island, Mets COO Jeff Wilpon told reporters the team’s top priority remains retaining both David Wright and R.A. Dickey.
Wilpon says negotiations are “on-going” with the two players, and while Wilpon acknowledged they are exploring other options for Dickey, that serves only as their backup plan.
Dickey went 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA, having allowed 192 hits and 54 walks with 230 strikeouts in 233 2/3 innings. He became the first Met to win 20 games since Frank Viola in 1990, and is a finalist for the National League Cy Young Award, which will be announced tomorrow night.
The Mets exercised both Wright’s and Dickey’s options for 2013 – Wright will earn $16 million and Dickey will earn $5 million. Both can become free agents after the 2013 season.
Future Decisions, and what’s up with RA Dickey
Matthew Cerrone , Lead Writer
It’s quite clear to me that Sandy Alderson is making decisions based on what’s best for the Mets in 2014 and beyond. This is not to say he’s given up on 2013… not at all. However, if a move is not also in the best interest of 2014, 2015, etc., I think it’s automatically considered a bad decision.
In other words, a one-year deal for anyone is fine, because it only impacts 2013. But, if it’s a long-term deal, it has to favor the Mets down the road, otherwise it isn’t going to happen.
For instance, the Mets seem willing to bring back RA Dickey for 2013 (his current option), plus two additional years (2014 and 2015). Why? Because RA is awesome and he could still serve them well those two years, plus still have value in trade next summer or next winter with just two years and – say – $20 million left on his contract. However, because it would be much more difficult to trade a 40 year old that has three or four years left on his deal, which is what Dickey wants, they’re instead exploring his trade market today.
Honestly, I am growing more and more convinced he will be traded this winter, but it’s also I why I wouldn’t be totally surprised to see him signed to a two-year extension (if he was willing to accept it). I suppose they could keep him and trade him next summer, though I do think that’s the least likely of these three scenarios because it offers the least amount of upside. The only option I don’t see happening is signing Dickey to a deal that guarantees him more than two years, for the reasons stated above.
Jim Bowden of ESPN says while progress has been made in contract negotiations, the Mets and R.A. Dickey are “not even close” to a new deal.
This is why I still believe Jon Niese is significantly more likely to get traded next week than anyone else on the roster, which is something I’ve been saying for nearly a year. I think they’ll do it if he can deliver a legit, major-league bat, like a Justin Upton or a Wil Myers. However, the Mets won’t move Niese if the offers continue to be weak.
A team source told Mike Puma of the New York Post that if the Mets extend R.A. Dickey’s contract, 
Today in Coney Island, Mets COO Jeff Wilpon told reporters the team’s top priority remains retaining both David Wright and R.A. Dickey.
For instance, the Mets seem willing to bring back RA Dickey for 2013 (his current option), plus two additional years (2014 and 2015). Why? Because RA is awesome and he could still serve them well those two years, plus still have value in trade next summer or next winter with just two years and – say – $20 million left on his contract. However, because it would be much more difficult to trade a 40 year old that has three or four years left on his deal, which is what Dickey wants, they’re instead exploring his trade market today.
