One of the best ways to breathe some life into the New York Mets next year is to add a big bat to the roster this offseason.
When Yoenis Cespedes joined the New York Mets in 2015, his presence helped catapult them into the postseason. Sure, his bat did a lot of the work. Just by being there, the team had a new look and energy.
Other than re-signing him twice, the franchise hasn’t made any significant offseason addition since. When looking to add players over this winter, it’s as much about finding talent as it is building up team chemistry and locker room excitement.
MLB players should be excited to take the field regardless of the teammates around them. I’m sure plenty of guys on the squad will be thrilled for the year to begin; I’m looking at you, Brandon Nimmo.
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With that said, there’s always a way to breathe more life into a roster. A big offseason acquisition would do just that.
Whether by trade or free agency, bringing in a big bat this winter is a must. They don’t need Manny Machado or Bryce Harper. A lower-level guy, possibly with a history of winning, could do the trick.
One thing I noticed about the 2018 Mets is the lack of World Series rings. By my count, Jason Vargas is the only one with a championship ring. Vargas won this as a member of the 2015 Kansas City Royals. Although he didn’t pitch in the postseason, he did start a few games for them in the regular season before landing on the disabled list. You can add an asterisk to his name if you so choose.
Plenty of Mets have been to the postseason, but nobody has experienced the joy of winning it all. While this can help in the “they’re all hungry to win one” argument, there’s no one to lead the way and add some jewelry to his fingers. I think this could be useful in 2019.
A big bopper to join the lineup is the ideal direction to go. Even if he’s not a champion, a well-respected veteran works just as well, too.
J.T. Realmuto behind the plate or A.J. Pollock in center field means there is a commitment to winning. Neither has won the big one yet but has enough of a resume to join the Mets and provide them with a boost. Marwin Gonzalez could give them some championship winning experience no one else on the team brings to the field.
The Mets roster is a stale one. Last summer’s Jeff McNeil promotion helped re-shape the offense. It had a new energy. The way the team played looked different.
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Something similar may happen from 2018 to 2019 if they go out this offseason and make the right addition. There’s no guarantee of repeating the 2015 Cespedes Effect, but it can’t hurt to try.