Mets Season Preview: What could’ve been done differently this offseason?

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Oct 4, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop

Ian Desmond

(20) singles in the fourth inning against the San Francisco Giants in game two of the 2014 NLDS playoff baseball game at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: H. Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Weiss, Staff Writer:

Trade for Ian Desmond.

The Mets rumor mill churned all winter long, but at the end of the day, Michael Cuddyer was the only player that Mets GM Sandy Alderson acquired.

He should have done more.

While I’m not totally convinced that Wilmer Flores isn’t the answer at shortstop, it’s hard to argue that Ian Desmond wouldn’t have been an upgrade over the current middle infielder.

Flores has never been given a legitimate chance by Mets fans to show his true colors. That’s why I find it fairly difficult to jump onto the Anti-Flores bandwagon. But Desmond hit 24 homers and added nearly 100 runs batted in while hitting .255. Not only is Desmond a durable bat — he’s played in 130 games or more for the past five years — but he would have also provided protection for Lucas Duda in the middle of the lineup.

With just one year remaining on his deal, Desmond’s acquisition would’ve ensured that prospects like Matt Reynolds, Dilson Herrera and Flores would have had the opportunity to prove their stripes and regain the starting job after the season. But in terms of winning now, Alderson had to do more, even if it meant sacrificing a part of the team’s pitching.