WHO’S ON DECK?
Not done yet, Mets eye free agents to fill infield hole
In the grand scheme, the Mets expected to have their infield vacancy filled before circling back to the outfield, but here they are with Jay Bruce returning and still trying to solve the second base — or is it third base? — mystery. As the Mets await Bruce passing a physical, likely next week, that will make his three-year deal worth $39 million with the club official, team brass is still focused on finding at least one piece who would complete the infield. Ideally, the Mets would also like a second hitter who could help at first base. Bruce, who could figure into a first-base equation with Dominic Smith if another option isn’t acquired, received his offer from the Mets on Wednesday and didn’t take even a day to decide, jumping at the opportunity to sign a respectable deal in what has been a frustrating market for free agents. Bruce is receiving a backloaded deal that will pay him $10 million in 2018. In each of the following two seasons he is scheduled to receive $14.5 million. The backloaded contract will provide general manager Sandy Alderson with flexibility as he attempts to fill in the roster and trim a payroll that reached $155 million last season. Bruce’s paycheck, added to previous contract commitments and projected salaries for arbitration-eligible players, puts the Mets’ payroll for this season at roughly $138 million.
Alderson will continue to walk a tightrope in completing the roster. All indications are the GM would prefer to preserve the shallow pool of prospects in the minor-league system and look toward free agency — Todd Frazier, Neil Walker, Jose Reyes and Howie Kendrick — as he looks to complete the infield.
A report by FanRag Sports on Thursday indicated the Mets nearly acquired Jason Kipnis from the Indians this offseason, but the deal was nixed by one party because of financial issues. Kipnis, who was moved to the outfield last season by the Indians, still has two years and $30.5 million remaining on his contract.
In addition the Mets have discussed Josh Harrison with the Pirates, but a source indicated the two sides have not been close on a deal. Harrison will make $10.25 million in 2018 and has consecutive club options in his contract.
Alderson has maintained contact with Reyes’ agents this winter, and the veteran infielder has stated his interest in returning. Among the Mets’ potential options, Reyes would figure to be the least expensive after a season in which he nosedived in the first half only to rebound after the All-Star break while providing guidance for rookie shortstop Amed Rosario.
The Mets appear willing to sign the veteran third baseman Frazier if they can get him on a one-year deal. Such a move would bump Asdrubal Cabrera to second base, where he would be paired with Wilmer Flores. Walker left the Mets with bruised feelings after a contract extension failed to materialize in spring training, but there is belief in the organization the veteran second baseman is open to a reunion given the marketplace this winter.
The veteran Kendrick would give the Mets flexibility as somebody who can play second base, first base and the outfield. Kendrick is also viewed as a clubhouse presence who would join Bruce in filling a leadership void.