Why the Mets should go heavy in the Manny Machado sweepstakes

If you look back at recent years you’d think anyone is crazy to say the New York Mets would sign a free agent like Manny Machado. What if I told you a signing like Machado could open more moves for the Amazins?

The New York Mets have entered an offseason with question marks at a few positions and this seems to be one of the best free agents classes we have seen in a long time. Names such as Manny Machado, Bryce Harper, and Patrick Corbin headline this year’s list.

With new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen in place, it’s time to make a splash and sign big names.

The player the Mets should go after is shortstop Machado. We know the Mets have a history of not spending the money and try to preserve it but with the $15 million due to David Wright next year that the Mets will get back for insurance as well as a portion of Cespedes’ $29 million. Since the news came out that his ankle injury might possibly be a pre-existing condition, they can now use this money on a star like Machado.

Yes, I know the Mets need help in the bullpen and behind the plate but hear me out on this one. Machado is 26-years-old and is in the prime of his career right now. Machado made all the news last year when he said he wants to strictly play shortstop and not third base right now which could work out in Flushing.

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The current shortstop is Amed Rosario who finished the 2018 season hot and is giving fans hope at a solid 2019 season. The hot second half of the season though could help turn Rosario into trade bait now which could be huge.

The asking price for Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto is high and Rosario could be the key point in a possible trade for Realmuto. Now just imagine a potential infield of Peter Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Manny Machado, and Realmuto. At that point, I’d live with Frazier at third base for one more season.

Another need is the bullpen so the signing of Machado could also make Rosario trade bait for some solid bullpen arms. I know some Mets fans might not want to move on just yet from the youngster at shortstop but Machado is obviously a lot better than Rosario and Rosario would bring in more pieces to a team with many holes in it.

A trade for Realmuto would be bigger but you can’t complain about a trade for arms after a season that the bullpen had an ERA of 4.95, 19 blown saves, and a bullpen record of 27-36.

A possible signing of Machado also may not mean the end of the Amed Rosario era for the Mets. You got to keep in mind Todd Frazier‘s contract is up after next season so there could be a possibility of Machado maybe wanting to go back to third base then and the Mets can keep both Machado and Rosario together.

If Machado was to sign here without a Rosario trade, you can maybe see Rosario moving to second base and then McNeil moving across the diamond to third base.

Like I mentioned this is all a look at what could happen if Machado decides to come to the Mets so none of this is what will definitely happen. But this one signing could open the doors for the other holes the Mets have and will bring in a four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner.

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Yes, Machado may show no hustle sometimes but for a team full of young and upcoming players such as Rosario, Conforto, Nimmo, Alonso, and Gimenez; Machado coming in would bring in a veteran who is hungry for a world series after this past season.