The Lighting may have left NY.

But, The Sun shined through like a beacon pointing to CITI FIELD.

   So with December 2nd is rapidly approaching, and teams are scrambling to sign free agents before a possible work stoppage could happen. Two weeks ago, the Mets believed that their qualifying offer to Noah Syndergaard would be enough to retain the fireballer but, Mets fans were surprised when he signed at 1 year deal with the angels for $21 million. This was a slap in the face to the organization that didn’t give up on him when he needed Tommy John surgery. He had only pitched 2 innings since that, and he decided to leave. Last weekend it looked as if the Mets were the top contender to bring back Steven Matz, and as it looked, the contract was going to be signed, and at the last minute, he went elsewhere. Again another slap in the face to the Mets Organization. However, Mets fans Eppler, Sandy, and Steve were getting ready to open the flood gates unbeknown to us.

    Steve Cohen had enough and told Eppler and Sandy to do whatever it takes to bring in a winning team. On November 26th of this year, Mets fans across the world were given three presents by Eppler and the organization.

1. First was the signing of Eduardo Escobar. He had played with the Diamondbacks and was traded to the Brewers, where he hit .253 with 28 home runs. He can play second or third and has had a handful of games at first base. The ball explodes off his bat, and he can hit to either side of the diamond. His deal is 2 years for a total of $20 million with a club option for a third. 
2. The second gift was the signing of Ketel Marte. He is an explosive outfielder with tremendous speed {something the Mets have been lacking} a powerful bat. He hit .310 last year, and for his career, he is .300 hitter. He is a center fielder by trade, and he will be roaming it for the next 4 years. His deal is 4 years for $78 million and worth every penny.
3. The third gift I said would be a Met is outfielder Mark Canha who can play all three positions in the outfield and some first base giving them some versatility. His batting average is not the best, as he hit .231 last year but, his play on defense is superb, and he is a good fit in NY.

   Now I know what some Mets fans and sportswriters are thinking. What are the Mets going to do with Brandon Nimmo and Dom Smith? As of now, Center and Left Field are penciled in. Nimmo has played right field before and can still fit there. We need him at the top of the lineup as he is a great leadoff hitter and gets on base. As for Dom Smith, he has been a fan loved player but room for him is dimishing. I feel it might be time to trade him and get some prospects for him.

   The next issue that needs to be resolved is the starting rotation. As of right now, DeGrom is #1 {as long as he recovered from injury} Carlos Corasco at #2 and Megil #3. This is not going to do it. There are many names out there, and the most intriguing is Max Scherzer. I know that Max wants to stay on the west coast, but he wants to win another championship. It will cost a lot to ring him to NY. I am thinking of a 2year deal $80 million with a club option for 3rd, making it a possible $120 million. Also, you can expect the Mets to get in touch with Kershaw’s agent and Rondon and Gray’s agents. 

    I will address this next person quickly cause I feel it in my gut that he will be back with the Mets, Javy Baez. Many teams are courting him, and the feeling most teams are getting is he wants anywhere 7-8 years and $225 Million. That’s a lot of money, but I say he’s more than worth it.

The Bullpen needs help as well, and there are many names. The Mets have to see who is going to come back from arbitration. There are a plethora of names that would fit this team. I like A.J. Cole, and Jacob Junis are the two whom I would love to join, but there are plenty of others that fit the bill, and we will see what direction we head to after December 2nd. This will be one of the more exciting free agencies in a while; if everything gets done quickly and with no problems with a work stoppage or CBA being held up, the fans are in for a real treat, and That Is How The Old Man Sees It.