Black Friday can’t come soon enough for the Mets.
As the organization continues to mull potential free-agent upgrades at key positions, it has suffered a severe case of “sticker shock,” according to a source with knowledge of the front office’s thinking, bringing into question whether general manager Sandy Alderson’s offseason plan still has legs.
Some of the Mets’ biggest convulsions from sticker shock occurred at last week’s general managers’ meetings, according to a source. Team executives met with Jhonny Peralta, believing they could get the free-agent shortstop on a two-year deal in the $20-25 million neighborhood. But Peralta made it clear he is seeking at least a three-year contract — and reportedly wants more than $45 million.
The Mets have identified Peralta as a primary target, but aren’t sequencing their moves, according to a source, leaving them open to first acquiring an outfielder or pitcher if there is an opportunity to make such a move.
Sticker shock or not, the Mets’ priorities remain the same as when the season ended: Two bats — preferably shortstop and outfielder — a starting pitcher and reliever.
A club source discounted the idea of the Mets orchestrating a deal with the Brewers for former MVP Ryan Braun, who probably can use a change of scenery after lying about his involvement in the Biogenesis performance-enhancing drug scandal. The Brewers have interest in Ike Davis, but any package for Braun — who still is owed $113 million — likely would need to center around top pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard, whom Alderson has said is off limits.
The Mets still are monitoring the market for Curtis Granderson, who declined a $14.1 million qualifying offer from the Yankees. Nelson Cruz, who declined a qualifying offer from the Rangers, is also on the club’s radar.
On the starting pitching front, the Mets like Phil Hughes better than Bronson Arroyo, according to a source, but have not contacted representatives for either right-hander.
Arroyo, who turns 37 in February, has a proven track record as an innings-eater, but the Mets see a higher upside in Hughes — who is just 27 — and might come on a one- to two-year deal. Arroyo almost certainly would require a commitment of two to three years.
Plus, there is thought within the industry Hughes would resurrect his career with pitcher friendly Citi Field as his home ballpark. Hughes struggled with the Yankees largely because of his penchant for surrendering homers in a hitters’ ballpark.
The Mets added pitchers Steven Matz, Jeff Walters, Jacob deGrom and Erik Goeddel to their 40-man roster, protecting them from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. The Mets’ 40-man roster is now full.