Can the Mets just fast-forward past next year and get to 2014, already?
Though nothing is impossible in a given year — just ask the Athletics and Orioles — the odds will again be stacked against the Mets when they arrive at spring training to begin Year 3 of general manager Sandy Alderson’s regime.
Simply, the Mets have obvious shortcomings and almost no money to spend. Contrast that to next year at this time, when the Mets will have $50 million in expiring contracts from Johan Santana and Jason Bay that can be used toward securing legitimate talent instead of just plugging holes and hoping for the best.
Ike Davis, Matt Harvey and Jon Niese were the bright spots of the Mets’ 74-88 season and fourth-place finish in the NL East. The Mets probably will need significant luck next year to contend, but will need a strong offseason just to get in position for lucky. Here’s a look at the necessities:
1. Lock up David Wright and R.A. Dickey
The Mets really have no choice in the matter if they want to sell tickets next season. And as far as trying to compete in the short-term goes, Wright and Dickey probably give the club a better chance than the young talent the front office would receive in trading them.
Wright faded in the second half after a strong start, but is still among the top third basemen in the game. Dickey (20-6) had the best season by a Mets pitcher since the Dwight Gooden era.
Wright and Dickey are under club control for 2013, but without new contracts are almost sure to leave as free agents next offseason. It essentially leaves the Mets in the position of signing or trading them this winter.
In a vacuum you could trade Wright and Dickey and perhaps fortify the organization for the long-term. But Alderson is forced to walk the tightrope of trying to compete, build and sell tickets simultaneously.
2. Get new outfielders
A combination of Lucas Duda and Scott Hairston in left field (provided the Mets can re-sign Hairston) probably would work, but that still leaves holes in center and right.
Andres Torres is arbitration eligible and likely gone, after an awful season. Mike Baxter is a solid backup outfielder, but not an everyday player and Bay probably isn’t worthy of a major league job, though the Mets are in no hurry to eat the remaining $19 million he is owed. Jordany Valdespin doesn’t project as an everyday outfielder, either.
It leaves the Mets in desperate need of two starting outfielders, but with little money to spend. That explains why there will be consideration given to dealing valuable chips such as Davis and Niese this offseason.
3. Reconstruct the bullpen
Alderson whiffed last offseason in this category. Bobby Parnell can stay, along with young lefties Josh Edgin and Robert Carson, but Jon Rauch is likely gone and the Mets would just love to find a taker for Frank Francisco and his remaining $6.5 million (good luck on that one). Jeurys Familia and Jenrry Mejia will receive looks next season, but another veteran or two would be preferable.
4. Find a solution at catcher
Josh Thole worked hard to improve defensively, but his offense was almost non-existent this season, leaving the Mets desperate for help at the position. Kelly Shoppach’s six-week audition was respectable, but hardly anything that has the Mets itching to retain him. A.J. Pierzynski and David Ross are among the veteran catchers who are free agents.
5. Hope Zack Wheeler is the real deal
Harvey was terrific in his two months pitching for the Mets after getting called up from Triple-A. Wheeler’s upside is even greater, according to scouts, but the Mets won’t really know what they have until he starts pitching in the majors.
Expect that to come next summer. If Wheeler and Harvey are a legitimate Nos. 1 and 2 in the rotation by the time next season concludes, there will be real reason to believe the Mets can contend for the postseason in 2014.