Wednesday, December 21, 2022

In New York, the back pages belong to the Mets. For now

 Jacob deGrom signs with Texas. The Mets answer by getting Justin Verlander (Houston).

Taijuan Walker signs with Philadelphia. The Mets answer with Jose Quintana (St. Louis).

The Mets win the Kodai Senga sweepstakes, signing the Japanese right-hander to a 5 year deal, solidifying the rotation. Adding Senga, Verlander, & Quintana to a rotation with Max Scherzer & Carlos Carrasco? Scary, although reports are that the Mets are shopping Carrasco.

The Mets also welcomed back relievers Adam Ottavino, Sean Reid-Foley and Tommy Hunter, added Brooks Raley (Tampa Bay) & David Robertson (Philadelphia), adding Robertson to the list of players who have appeared for both the Mets & Yankees. Reid-Foley missed most of 2022 with injuries. However, they lost Seth Lugo (San Diego), Yoan Lopez (Japan), and Adonis Medina (Korea)

Outfielder Brandon Nimmo will stay in New York, with Abraham Almonte added for insurance. Jose Peraza is back for a 2nd tour of duty with the Mets. And, then, the icing on the cake.....

After the Yankees snagged pitcher Carlos Rodon (San Francisco), the Mets swooped in and snatched shortstop Carlos Correa, who will convert to 3rd base, playing alongside Francisco Lindor. That means Eduardo Escobar will DH and backup Correa. Brett Baty can play the outfield, so he's an option there. Catcher Omar Narvaez came over from Milwaukee, and suddenly, James McCann is expendable. Correa's deal with San Francisco died due to concerns over an old injury from years past.

This would be the general reaction of Mets fans...


There is cause for caution, of course. Bryce Harper and the Phillies reached the World Series, only to lose to Houston. Harper, four years into a 13 year contract, still hasn't won his championship, while his former club, Washington won in his 1st year in Philly. You can construct the super teams anywhere, in any sport, but it doesn't always add up to a championship. It's been 36 years and counting since the last World Series title in Flushing. Steve Cohen is working to change that. If they win within the next, say, 2-3 years, they'll nominate him for sainthood. We'll see.

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