NY Mets: Three predictions for the month of December

December has arrived and the MLB Hot Stove is about to get really hot. For the New York Mets, we’re predicting some action in free agency and trade market.

The arrival of December should get you excited, New York Mets fans. It’s the first month when hot stove action truly picks up.

In this month’s edition of predictions, I’m seeing the Mets do a lot more than they did in November. It shouldn’t be too hard. November was all about minor moves, a few rumors, and setting up for the big possibilities.

Thanksgiving is over. December is here. It’s time for the Mets to get busy. This is what I expect to see.

Mets sign a big bat

It may not be the first significant move of the month, but I do think the team finally gets a big bat via free agency before we hit January. Who will it be? I have two options.

Two familiar names all Mets fans are watching this winter are J.T. Realmuto and George Springer. They have been on the fans’ radar for months and this is the month I foresee at least one of them signing with the team.

Realmuto would solve the organization’s long track record of mediocrity behind the plate. Easily one of the best catchers in the game, he would improve the team offensively and defensively at the position. Signing him would be a major move for the Mets and signal to everyone how serious they are about competing in 2021 and beyond.

The same is true for Springer. The former Houston Astros center fielder is looking for a new home in 2021. Despite his participation on one of the game’s most infamous teams, many fans are willing to welcome him with open arms. Springer would give the Mets a true center fielder that can hit—another thing they haven’t had for quite some time.

Either free agent star would significantly improve the Mets. This month, I see one putting on an orange and blue cap.

Mets make a trade no one saw coming

While Mets fans hold their breath that the team gets a deal done with the Cleveland Indians for Francisco Lindor, it’s not something I am willing to predict quite yet. There are a lot of teams that can give the Indians more than the Mets can in a trade. For this reason, I’m not putting my willing to put my reputation as the fat kid with really bad dandruff in fourth grade on the line.

This doesn’t mean the Mets will pass on other opportunities for a trade. In December, I think we’ll be surprised by a move they make.

My gut tells me the Mets will subtract someone from their roster this month. It may not be a major move, but it will be a familiar name.

Someone like Robert Gsellman could make sense to trade for some minor league talent. He doesn’t really fit in well with the roster in any capacity. His poor pitching last year has made him more expendable. Another team may, however, view him differently.

Gsellman is still young and with enough practice, could turn into a solid starting pitcher. The Mets can’t have the patience for this. They are in win-now mode.

Another name to watch is Steven Matz. I wouldn’t expect the Mets to get much in return for him. Matz has struggled for several seasons now and is approaching 30.

Still, there’s always room out there for a lefty pitcher. Like Gsellman, a team could view him as a project.

First, Matz and Gsellman will need to survive the non-tender deadline which hits us on December 2. By the time you read this, one or both may already be gone.

For an alternative deal, what if we see the Mets trade J.D. Davis, not for a star, but for some minor league help?

Those looking at the big trades to add some talent to the roster may also be pleasantly surprised in December. The possibilities feel endless for this organization.