Mets 2018-2019 Offseason: A second chance to get things right

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 04: Jeurys Familia #27 of the New York Mets pitches against the Washington Nationals on April 04, 2019 during the Mets home opener at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Michael Heiman/Getty Images) /

Here are the moves that Brodie Van Wagenen made that help the franchise and will be made again in this do-over of the 2018 offseason:

Mets sign FA C Wilson Ramos to a 2-year $19 million contract.

Van Wagenen actually made the right call here by signing the best available catcher in a weak market, while avoiding trading major assets for J.T. Realmuto. Thus far, Ramos is tied for 3rd on the team in HRs (9) and his .279 average is second best among MLB catchers.

His salary is much more tolerable than the 18.25 million that the Milwaukee Brewers owe to Yasmani Grandal this season. Ramos finally gives the Mets an offensive weapon behind the plate.

Mets sign FA RHP Jeurys Familia to a 3-year $30 million contract.

Jeurys Familia has been an inconsistent disaster this season. In 27.2 innings, he owns a 7.81 ERA and has already allowed 5 home runs. He allowed 3 all of last season.

Despite all this, we are still going to sign him to a 3-year deal. Familia was a key component to the Mets’ success during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. The 2016 All-Star shares the record for the most saved recorded by a Mets closer in a single season.

Familia is still vital to the success of the bullpen and re-signing him gives the Mets a very good late-inning option with closing experience.

Mets trade C Kevin Plawecki to Cleveland Indians for RHP Walker Lockett and 2B Sam Haggerty.

Walter Lockett has held his ground in AAA for the Syracuse Mets this season, pitching to a 3.81 ERA in the hitter-friendly International League, while only walking 3 batters in 26 innings. While his stuff isn’t overpowering, Lockett has been successful and should be seen as an emergency starter if the Mets ever need one. His MLB debut is one to forget, however (2.1 IP, 6 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 2 K).

Sam Haggerty is just 25 at is still an unknown at this point. He owns a .832 OPS in AA Binghamton but he shouldn’t be expected to play above AAA this season. Overall, solid trade that we are going to remake.

Mets sign FA LHP Luis Avilan to a 1-year $1.6 million contract.

Van Wagenen signs an experienced lefty in a razor-thin relief pitching market at a very low cost. Avilan has had Major League success in the past; therefore, we make this deal.

Mets sign FA SS Adeiny Hechavarria to a 1-year $3 million contract.

Hechavarria came us from AAA sooner than expected for the Mets. Hechavarria is known for his glove yet he already has homered 4 times in 90 at-bats. The 30-year-old has come up clutch several times in late game situations this season and is a steady backup and mentor for the young Amed Rosario.

Even though a few of Brodie’s acquisitions made the cut, there are several he should have made to fortify his team in 2019.

P.S. There is no Manny Machado on this list. Sorry.

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