Before this offseason, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson was known for being averse to signing free agents.
The team’s biggest contract given to a free agent during his time as the general manager was a two-year, $12 million pact awarded to Frank Francisco before the 2012 season.
With more payroll flexibility following last season, Alderson has taken some steps to improve the team, signing outfielder Curtis Granderson and starting pitcher Bartolo Colon for a total of $80 million — moves that have met with the approval of the team’s injured ace, Matt Harvey.
“I like it,” Harvey said on the MSG Network Monday night at halftime of the Knicks’ 102-101 loss to the Wizards. “I talked to [owner] Jeff Wilpon, and he gave me a call after he signed both those guys. We’re really excited for Mets baseball.”
Harvey will miss the 2014 season due to Tommy John surgery he underwent in late October for a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. He said his rehab has gone according to plan thus far.
“Everything’s going really well,” he said. “Obviously, at this point, I wish I could be out there for Opening Day. [I’ve come to] the realization … that’s not really possible. Rehab is going really well, and my arm feels extremely well. It’s a slow process, but everything’s going really well.”
Colon, who went 18-6 with a 2.65 ERA for the Athletics last season, was signed to approximate Harvey’s production — something the ace thinks will happen.
“Bartolo’s going to have to hold it down for me while I’m gone,” he said.