Mets: Which top free agent did they miss out on most this winter?

The Final Verdict

Which of these top three free agents did the Mets need most? I think the answer is pretty clear for me. It’s Springer.

Realmuto is a catcher and will break down much quicker than a player at any other position. It makes some sense for the Phillies to overpay for his services. They already got two years out of him.

In Bauer’s case, I’m not sure anyone is worth that amount of money. It was a ridiculous overpay the Mets would have regretted making even if he did pitch well over the next three seasons.

Springer is different. As a center fielder, the next step down is to become a corner outfielder. The Mets would have a logical place to put him in two or three years by shifting him over to left field.

Although the highest paid of the three, Springer’s contract wouldn’t prevent the Mets from extending Francisco Lindor or Michael Conforto. Things might get tight. With some creative thinking, they could make it all work.

Center field is not a deep position in Major League Baseball. It was a tall hill to climb in order to land one of the few top names at the spot.

What’s more, Springer’s offensive production would fit in well with the Mets. His mix of power and ability to hit for average would have gone well on a team that could use a little more contact from the right side of the plate.

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Fortunately, there will be other free agents in future seasons. The club is building toward something greater than just an All-Star team for 2021. It’s understandable why they passed on each asking price from these free agents. They saved room for future acquisitions.