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Mets will use data, bullpen to lessen starters’ innings
ORLANDO, Fla. — An improved bullpen isn’t just a necessity based on the Mets’ struggles in that area last season, but also because of a new philosophy the team is embracing for 2018.
Simply, general manager Sandy Alderson expects fewer innings from his starting rotation, as the Mets will likely prevent anybody not named Noah Syndergaard or Jacob deGrom from working through the batting order for a third time during a game.
It’s an approach many clubs have taken in recent years, putting a greater emphasis on relievers.
“We have to be cognizant of what guys are capable of and not capable of,” Alderson said Monday at the general managers’ meetings, noting that back-endof-the-rotation starters shouldn’t be counted on to work deep into games.
“I think this has always existed. It’s just that we have the data now that is irrefutable. The game is about probability and these new metrics that we have substitute data for baseball truisms that are no longer valid.”
And so, the Mets are committing to adding another proven option to Jeurys Familia, AJ Ramos and Jerry Blevins, and will consider carrying eight relievers on the roster. Realistic options on the free-agent market could include Bryan Shaw, Brandon Morrow, Addison Reed, Matt Albers and Mike Minor, among others.
“The general trend in baseball is for starters to go fewer and fewer innings,” Alderson said. “That puts an increased load on the bullpen. You either carry eight [relievers] or you move guys up and down [from the minors] in that sixth and seventh spot. Any way you cut it, the bullpen is becoming more important in the course of a season and certainly the postseason.”
Alderson’s checklist for this offseason includes searching for a second baseman and first base/outfield bat. On the back burner is another starting pitcher.
Key points of Alderson’s question and answer session with reporters Monday:
Smith is not assured of 1B job
Asked if rookie Dominic Smith would have to win the first-base job in spring training, Alderson said: “He didn’t win it in September, let’s put it that way.”
The fact Smith, who shed 24 pounds last winter, gained weight during the season that may have impaired his performance has team officials concerned.
“Dominic is going to have to be careful about his conditioning over the next few years if not throughout his career,” Alderson said.
The Mets are exploring outfield/first-base options that
could potentially replace Michael Conforto — who is recovering from shoulder surgery and may be unavailable to start the season — and then slide into the first-base role once the lefty slugger is ready.
The Mets’ payroll will drop
Alderson seemed annoyed by a follow-up question about the team’s payroll, which reached $155 million last season. But the GM admitted his budget for 2018 will be lower.
“I can’t make any predictions about where it will end up,” he said.
Indications are Alderson will have less than $40 million to spend in addressing the team’s various needs. And Alderson isn’t about to use the team’s lack of payroll flexibility as a crutch.
“We very definitely want to be competitive and feel we can be competitive,” Alderson said.
Juan Lagares may get another shot
The light-hitting outfielder remains a top defensive player and could get the majority of playing time in center field depending on how the remainder of the Mets’ lineup is structured.
“I think Lagares is definitely figuring into our plans,” Alderson said.
Brandon Nimmo could also see time in center field. Conforto remains a possibility to play the position should the Mets acquire a corner-outfield bat.