Mets may want to let the bad contracts get claimed on waivers this August

One way the New York Mets can save money is to let players go once claimed on the waiver wire this August. Would they actually do it?

How will the New York Mets dig themselves out of the whole they’re in?

This is a team with bad contracts and little chance of moving them. One way they could avoid overpaying these underperforming veterans is to let them go during the August waiver wire.

After July 31, trades are limited to players who clear waivers. We have seen a few big deals go down in this month. The epic deal between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers which unloaded a ton of salary on the latter happened in August. Last year’s Justin Verlander trade to the Houston Astros was another notable one.

There’s no doubt the Mets may trade a player in August this year. But would they be willing to let one of these players go claimed on waivers?

Typically, everyone on the MLB roster goes on waivers. When claimed, teams pull them back. It’s their chance to gauge interest around the league.

This year, I have to wonder if they might be willing to let some of their bad contracts go elsewhere for nothing at all.

Let’s say Yoenis Cespedes is claimed on waivers. It’s unlikely. His contract may make sure of that. His inability to stay healthy should also prevent teams from putting in a claim. Unlike the Mets, they cannot revoke the move.

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Would the Mets willingly part with Cespedes without getting anything in return? It’s better than releasing him outright. They don’t have to pay a dime of his contract in this scenario.

There are guys beyond Cespedes worth considering. I would say Jay Bruce, Todd Frazier, and Anthony Swarzak are other candidates. They have performed well in recent years and wouldn’t break the bank if someone did land them. Swarzak could always become a mop-up man in a bullpen. Bruce and Frazier could take a spot on someone’s bench for the rest of the season until they figure out what to do with them going forward.

Teams desperate to win a championship will do almost anything to build the best roster possible. Mets fans who see these players regularly may disagree that these men make a team better.

I’m doubtful the team would utilize this escape of bad deals. It wouldn’t look good. It admits defeat to such a degree it might destroy the front office’s ego.

The Mets will have to settle with trying to deal whatever they can in July and possibly swing a deal in August if they can. Those bad contracts are probably theirs to keep.

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