Mets Offseason Needs: Three lesser-talked about upgrades for the Amazins

MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 18: Justin Wilson #38 of the New York Mets delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on August 18, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 18: Justin Wilson #38 of the New York Mets delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on August 18, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – AUGUST 19: Michael Conforto #30, Billy Hamilton #21, and Brandon Nimmo #9 of the New York Mets celebrate the win against the Miami Marlins by score of 5-3 at Marlins Park on August 19, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – AUGUST 19: Michael Conforto #30, Billy Hamilton #21, and Brandon Nimmo #9 of the New York Mets celebrate the win against the Miami Marlins by score of 5-3 at Marlins Park on August 19, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Don’t overlook the lesser-talked about upgrades the New York Mets will need to explore this winter.

This offseason could turn out to be epic for the New York Mets. As with every winter, fans will cling to the hope that they can add some star talent to the roster. We know some of their obvious upgrades, such as catcher and starting pitching, but what about those lesser needs?

The Mets may be able to find the answer in their minor league system for some of these lesser-talked about upgrades. However, with so few top prospects near MLB ready, they would need some luck to make it happen.

When winter rolls around, a lot of focus will go toward the stars available in free agency and trades. Meanwhile, the team may go ahead and look to upgrade some smaller niche roles including these three.

Mets Need An Awesome Defensive Outfielder

Juan Lagares, Jake Marisnick, and Billy Hamilton all spent some time with the Mets in 2020. We can classify each as an awesome defensive outfielder. In the winter before 2021, the Mets may need to find a new man to fill this void.

Marisnick is the best of these three at the moment, but also headed toward free agency and possibly a platoon gig in the not-so-distant future. Although the Mets can go out and add a true center fielder (sorry, Brandon Nimmo!) I think it’s far more likely they go a similar route with the Marisnick addition.

This isn’t just to cover center field. It’s good to have a first-rate defender on your bench regardless of how your starters look.

Regardless of the lineup, the Mets put on the field in 2021, it looks as if left field will be lacking defense. The top candidates to play the position are J.D. Davis, Jeff McNeil, and Dominic Smith. All have their limitations so it would be much wiser to ensure there’s a really good defender alongside them or to replace Nimmo in center field and allow the happiest man in baseball to shift over one spot.

It’s not an exciting move to make but it’s a necessary one on the offseason checklist.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 25: Chasen Shreve #47 of the New York Mets in action against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on August 25, 2020 in New York City. Miami Marlins defeated the New York Mets 3-0. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 25: Chasen Shreve #47 of the New York Mets in action against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on August 25, 2020 in New York City. Miami Marlins defeated the New York Mets 3-0. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Mets Need A Lefty Bullpen Stud

The best thing about 2020 has been how the bullpen has performed. It hasn’t been legendarily awesome yet it seems to feel that way based on how the last three years have gone.

The Mets have multiple members of their relief corps headed to free agency. My guess is we will also see at least one dig his heels in and become a starter in 2021. Here’s looking at you, Seth Lugo.

Something the roster will need this offseason is a left-handed reliever. Justin Wilson is a free agent after 2020. His performance and age suggest it’s time to part ways and thank him for his services. Chasen Shreve is a candidate to return, but I feel as if the Mets need a little more than faith in him.

Fortunately, with the three-batter minimum rule the era of the lefty-specialist is not much of a concern anymore. Even if those drove Jerry Blevins out of the league, it’s one less worry for roster building because you need your relievers to get everyone out not just the fellow customers you spot at Ned Flanders’ Leftorium.

Unlike past years when it’s important to look at the splits, the Mets need to simply find a good left-handed thrower for their bullpen. They may already have him here. It all depends on what they plan to do with Steven Matz. Clearly on the outskirts of the starting rotation, could Matz’s final year with the team involve a rebrand?

I believe we’ll talk a lot more about the Mets’ bullpen needs once the season actually ends. Until then, let’s hope for the best with what they already have.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 14: Walker Lockett #61 of the New York Mets throws a pitch during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 14, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 6-5. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 14: Walker Lockett #61 of the New York Mets throws a pitch during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 14, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 6-5. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

Mets Need Minor League Starting Pitching Depth

And you thought a .200 hitting outfielder with a glove made of gold was a boring topic? Let’s talk about the importance of minor league starting pitching depth, shall we?

The Mets didn’t have much of it all in 2020. Back in March, it looked like they could roll through the year with six starters on the major league roster (one in the bullpen ready to pounce) plus some Triple-A pitchers down in Syracuse.

Those plans went astray real fast.

We’re seeing first-hand how ill-prepared the Mets were with their minor league pitching depth. They dipped into their bullpen more with Lugo and Robert Gsellman getting their chances. This isn’t the worst thing in the world especially considering how well other relievers have done.

I don’t think this is something the team can get away with again. Lugo and/or Gsellman will probably be in the starting rotation next year. The real minor league starting pitching depth this club needs must be down in the minors; stretched out and ready to perform five innings or more.

The good news is there are always arms fitting this description on the free agent market. Fallen veterans hoping to recoup some value always get released at the end of every year. It’s just a matter of pride and hoping they will accept reality: the only way to play baseball is to do it in the minor leagues.

You don’t need to be flashy with your minor league starting pitching depth. All you really need is someone with experience and grit. It also helps if he doesn’t mind riding a bus from city to city.

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What other minor needs do you think the Mets need to address this winter?

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