Mets Notes: Alonso, Stanek, Jansen

Mets Opt for Stanek, Pass on Jansen in Bullpen Moves

The New York Mets have inked⁤ veteran reliever Ryne Stanek to a one-year contract, bringing ‌him back to the club he joined mid-season last year. While Stanek is expected to ⁢be a valuable asset to the ⁤bullpen,​ reports indicate that the Mets were in ⁣on another ⁣potential closer, Kenley Jansen, before ultimately deciding on Stanek.

Multiple sources, including Andy Martino of SNY ‍and Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, reported the Mets’ initial​ interest in Jansen.However, a meaningful factor in the ​Mets’ decision to ⁢move on from Jansen seems to be ⁤his strong desire to secure the closer role. Jansen currently sits fourth on the all-time saves leaderboard with 447, and while catching‍ the likes of Mariano Rivera and⁤ Trevor Hoffman seems unlikely, he’s just 53 saves away from reaching the prestigious 500-save ‌milestone.

“He is‍ just 53 away from ⁢getting to the 500-save plateau,” detailed The Athletic.”He’s ⁤also not far from passing Lee⁣ Smith, ‍who is ‍in third place with ‍478, though Craig Kimbrel is also ‍right behind Jansen⁤ at 440 and still active.”

Facing stiff competition‍ for a closing role in New York, the Mets ultimately chose to maintain their current closer, Edwin Díaz. With Díaz firmly​ entrenched, the Mets ‍opted for ⁤the experience and versatility Stanek brings to their bullpen.Jansen’s reported interest from teams like the Tigers, Blue Jays, and Cubs indicates ‌a robust market for the veteran ⁢closer.

Bullpen Shakeups: Trade Rumors and Closer Conundrums

The hot stove ​season continues to sizzle, with teams across baseball bolstering their bullpens for the upcoming season. Clubs like​ the Tigers,Jays,and Cubs have all made moves to fortify their relief corps.

The Tigers snagged veteran reliever Tommy Kahnle, adding a reliable arm to‍ their pen. Simultaneously occurring,the Jays made a trio⁢ of bullpen additions,signing Jeff hoffman,Yimi García,and Ryan Pressly to help solidify their late-game strategy.⁤ Pressly’s arrival‍ in Chicago was somewhat surprising, as he reportedly waived his no-trade clause with the Astros because of their signing of Josh Hader as their closer. It would certainly⁢ seem unlikely that the Cubs would repeat‌ this scenario by signing craig Kimbrel, leaving the Tigers and Jays as stronger fits for a closer ⁣acquisition.The MLB offseason never lacks intrigue, and the Mets’ ⁣recent bullpen moves have sparked plenty of speculation. Marc ⁤Topkin reports that the Mets’ decision to sign Adam⁣ Stanek rather of Craig Kimbrel could keep the door⁢ open for a potential return of first baseman ‍Pete Alonso. Stanek’s comparatively smaller contract​ ( $4.5MM guaranteed) allows the Mets to maintain financial flexibility, potentially paving the way for Alonso’s ⁣return.According to The Athletic, the Mets were hesitant about kimbrel’s‌ asking price and the lack of ​a ​closing opportunity.⁣

Interestingly, the Mets’ interest in relievers similar in​ age and ‌experience ⁣to Kimbrel, such as Kirby ‌Yates and Chapman, suggests they are exploring multiple avenues for bullpen reinforcement.

Mets’ Shifting Strategy: Are They Ready to⁢ Move On From Alonso?

The Mets and superstar first baseman ‍Pete alonso have been locked in a tense​ contract negotiation,​ with whispers of mutual interest but ​a distinct lack of progress. A few weeks ago, reports surfaced that the Mets had offered Alonso a three-year ​deal worth approximately $68-70 ‌million. When Alonso and his representatives at the Boras Corporation turned down the offer, the Mets seemingly shifted gears, choosing to explore other options.

In recent weeks, the Mets have bolstered their bullpen by signing A.J. Minter and brooks Stanek, and welcomed⁤ back Jesse Winker to the outfield. While these‍ moves don’t directly preclude a reunion with⁣ Alonso, they indicate a willingness to allocate ‌their remaining budget‍ across multiple players rather than focusing on a single, high-priced acquisition.

According to respected reporters Martino and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Mets are still actively seeking a depth/utility infielder.‌ This attention to team building further suggests that they’re exploring various avenues to bolster their roster, leaving the door open for a potential Alonso⁢ departure.

Jose ⁢Iglesias emerged as a valuable asset ⁢for the Mets in 2024, slashing .337/.381/.448 in⁣ 85 games. However, Iglesias’ notable performance came to a close when he became a free agent at the end of the season. the Mets possess ⁢a promising ⁤crop of young‌ infielders, including Mark Vientos,​ Luisangel Acuña, and […other infielders…], who could potentially fill the utility infielder role,further solidifying their stance on a potential Alonso departure.

The Mets’ recent actions present a nuanced situation, leaving fans ​and analysts to speculate about their intentions.While the door remains technically open for a reunion with Alonso, the team’s ⁤strategic maneuvering suggests they may be prepared to move forward without him.

Mets’ Offseason Moves: A Calculated⁣ Approach‌ Amidst Uncertainty

The New York‌ Mets are in the midst of a interesting offseason, carefully constructing their roster while navigating some key decisions. While their financial resources are seemingly limitless under owner Steve Cohen,president of baseball operations David Stearns has taken a disciplined⁣ approach,prioritizing strategic‌ moves over extravagant‌ spending.

This strategy is evident in their recent free agent acquisitions. Rather of pursuing top-tier pitchers like Corbin Burnes or Max Fried, the Mets opted for ‍shorter-term deals with‌ pitchers like Sean Manaea, Frankie⁤ Montas, and Clay⁢ Holmes.This approach‍ suggests a focus‌ on building ⁢depth and flexibility within the pitching staff.

One of the most prominent storylines‌ of the‌ offseason revolves ​around ​star first baseman Pete Alonso. Despite his prodigious home run power, Alonso remains unsigned, with negotiations seemingly at a standstill. ‍This could be attributed to his overall offensive profile, which, while formidable, lacks the consistent​ hitting prowess and defensive prowess of some of his peers. while clubs like the Blue Jays, Angels, and Giants have​ shown interest, the‍ offers haven’t been considerable enough to entice Alonso away from Queens.

Despite the frustrating lack of progress, there are no indications that Alonso is considering a‍ change⁤ of representation. as pitchers and catchers ⁢prepare to report for spring training in a matter of weeks, the Mets ⁢find themselves at a ​crossroads.​ Will they reach an agreement with Alonso, or will he test the open market?

The Mets’ offseason strategy, while calculated and deliberate, leaves some questions ‍unanswered. Their willingness to prioritize depth over superstar talent and ⁢their handling of Alonso’s contract situation will undoubtedly shape the team’s trajectory in the coming ⁤season.

Is the MLB Free‍ Agency⁤ Clock Ticking for ‌Pete Alonso?

word on the street is, agents aren’t being allowed to reach out⁢ to free⁤ agent slugger pete Alonso. Apparently,he’s not interested in‍ changing representation just yet. This ‍comes as a⁢ bit of a‌ surprise considering ‍his tumultuous free agency, which has​ drawn frustration from ⁤both sides. He did switch agencies last year after the 2023 season, moving from Apex Baseball to Scott Boras.

While switching representation ⁢in ⁣the thick⁣ of free agency is unorthodox, especially with the new season looming, it’s not unheard‍ of. Last spring, ​Jordan‌ Montgomery made a similar move after a disappointing free agency that landed him a two-year deal with the Diamondbacks. Montgomery later commented that Boras “kind of butchered” his ⁢free agency process, prompting him to switch‍ to Wasserman.

On the flip side, Blake Snell,⁣ also represented by Boras, ‌experienced a similar situation after settling for a two-year contract. Snell, however, ⁢later ‍opted out of his deal and secured a lucrative five-year, $182 million contract with ⁢the Dodgers this winter.​ The stark contrast in their journeys highlights the complexities of navigating free ‍agency and the different‍ paths players choose.

Matt Chapman and Cody Bellinger also endured challenging free agencies ⁤under Boras’s guidance last⁣ year.However, they chose to ⁣remain with him. Chapman eventually landed a lucrative six-year, $151 million extension with the Giants, while ⁣Bellinger signed a three-year deal and will have another opportunity to opt out after the upcoming season.

Ultimately, each player’s experience reflects the unique dynamics of their individual negotiations and the choices they make in crafting their careers.

What are the potential long-term consequences for ⁢the Mets if they decide to let Alonso walk​ in free agency?

The‌ Alonso Dilemma: ⁢A Mets Insider’s Perspective

The ‌New ⁤York ​Mets find themselves at a ⁢crossroads​ with star first baseman ‍Pete Alonso.With free agency looming, the team seems to ⁣be pursuing a different path,​ one that may not involve a reunion with their beloved slugger. We sat ​down with David Cohen, a veteran Mets beat writer for the New York Post, to get his ⁤insider perspective on the situation. ⁤

David, ⁢the Mets​ seem to be building a different kind of ​team this offseason. How does Alonso fit​ into their plans?

David Cohen: ⁣ It’s a tricky situation. Pete is a fan favorite, there’s no doubt about that. He brings power adn excitement to ⁢the ballpark. But the Mets seem to be prioritizing building a more well-rounded, balanced‌ roster, and Alonso’s offensive profile, while formidable, doesn’t quite align with that vision.

What’s driving this shift in strategy?

DC: It’s likely a combination of factors. First, the Mets have a new front office lead by David Stearns, who has a reputation for being analytical and data-driven.They’re looking at the bigger picture, and it seems they see value in depth and versatility.Second,they’ve​ been aggressive ⁤in pursuing ‍pitching,suggesting they⁢ want a strong foundation ‍on the mound. Third, there’s the financial aspect. Alonso is a big contract, and the Mets may be⁣ hesitant to commit to ​a long-term deal⁤ for a player who, while powerful, ‌isn’t⁢ considered‌ a complete five-tool player.

Are there ⁣other factors at play?

DC: ​Absolutely. There are whispers that the Mets are concerned ⁣about Alonso’s defensive performance at first base. while he’s shown improvement, ‌some ​scouts believe his‍ range and glovework ⁢are below average for a⁣ modern first baseman. ⁣Plus, the team has ⁣some promising ⁤young infielders in the pipeline, like ⁤Mark vientos and ⁤Luisangel Acuña. They may see these players as potential replacements down the line, making Alonso’s long-term future less⁣ certain.

So, where does this leave Pete Alonso?

DC: It’s a tough situation for him. He’s ‍a proven slugger, but he’s also entering⁤ his prime and ⁢seeking a lucrative, long-term contract. He may have to consider his options carefully and be willing to​ leave New York to find the kind of ⁤deal he’s looking for.It’s a‌ real test for both sides – the Mets ⁤need to decide how‍ much they value alonso’s power, and alonso needs to decide if he’s willing to compromise to stay in ⁤New York.

What’s your take on the Mets’ approach? Do‌ you think they’re making the right call?

DC: It’s a bold move, there’s no doubt about it. It signals a new era for‌ the Mets, one that prioritizes strategy and ⁣versatility. Whether it ⁣ultimately⁢ pays off remains to‌ be seen. It will depend on⁤ their​ ability to fill the void Alonso leaves behind, both offensively and in terms ‌of⁤ fan sentiment.

What ‌do you think Mets fans ‌should expect going forward?

DC: Expect the unexpected. This Mets team is taking a different direction, and that means there could ⁣be some surprises along the way. it’s going to be an exciting, if unpredictable, ⁣season⁢ in Queens.