DEFLATE EXPECTATIONS

SANDY: DON’T LOOK FOR GAME-CHANGING MOVE

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — There were 250 million-plus reasons the Mets never considered trading for Giancarlo Stanton, a fact general manager Sandy Alderson acknowledged Sunday but not without an attempt at humor.

“With Brandon Nimmo in right field, we just didn’t feel we had a need there,” Alderson said at the Winter Meetings.

In a more serious tone, Alderson added: “I just didn’t think, given the contract, a variety of circumstances, it made any sense for us to feign any interest for purposes of public consumption.”

Stanton, last season’s National League MVP, landed with the Yankees on Saturday in a deal that sent Starlin Castro and prospects to the Marlins. The Yankees will pick up $265 million over 10 years on a contract Stanton can opt out of following the 2020 season.

Alderson, presiding over a team that won 70 games last season, said Stanton’s arrival across town won’t put added pressure on him to work magic at these Winter Meetings.

“[Stanton] has been an outstanding player, and he’s going to The Bronx, and that is a fact of local baseball life, but we have to approach it the way we think is best,” Alderson said. “What’s best for the organization, what is best for the team, short-term, longterm. We want to be as good as we can possibly be. We think we can be competitive, but I don’t think this adds any additional dimension to that.”

Even so, Alderson was tapering expectations on a day free-agent relievers Brandon Morrow and Luke Gregerson came off the board. Morrow agreed to a twoyear deal with the Cubs worth between $10 million and $11 million per season, according to reports. Gregerson agreed to a two-year deal with the Cardinals worth $11 million, with an option for 2020.

The Mets have targeted veteran workhorse Bryan Shaw — who could command a three-year deal — but Alderson indicated the Mets may wait out the market.

“We are not going to chase players. There are a lot of guys out there,” Alderson said. “We think there are some values out there to the extent the market gets overheated. I don’t think we will jump into the inferno, but we want to improve our bullpen.”

The GM’s other priorities are finding a second baseman and outfielder/first baseman to complete the lineup. Options on the trade market at second base include Jason Kipnis, Ian Kinsler and Josh Harrison, but Alderson indicated he’s hesitant to deal from his limited pool of young talent.

“Our farm system right now is not brimming with prospects, so in that sense, making a trade isn’t as attractive,” Alderson said. “On the other hand, making a trade, giving up a minimal number of talented players for maybe someone who can help us on a shorter deal or what have you, there are pluses and minuses to each approach.”

Alderson also softened his tone on rookie first baseman Dominic Smith, who battled weight issues and was a disappointment over his six-week audition with the club last season. Last month, Alderson said Smith did nothing in September to win the job.

“Dominic is still very much in the mix,” Alderson said. “I wouldn’t expect us to do something that totally eliminates Dominic as a possibility. We are still very high on Dominic — some of my comments earlier in the offseason notwithstanding. I would be surprised if we did anything that precluded him from not having an opportunity in spring training.”