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3 cheap and early Mets free agent signings they could've passed on for a minor leaguer
The Mets threw money at these players early on in free agency. All are gone and could've been easily replaced by a minor league player.
It took the New York Mets a while to complete their MLB roster for 2024. However, some of the first moves they did make were on the cheaper side of MLB free agency. Who would’ve guessed that all would end up as failures?
David Stearns did pretty well in the offseason with the major additions. The minor additions, on the other hand, could’ve easily been replaced on the MLB roster with a minor leaguer.
1) The Mets could’ve passed on Joey Wendle for Jose Iglesias
Joey Wendle came to the Mets as part of a plan to focus on defense. Signed by the team on November 30, he was one of the early birds to get a free agent contract. The effect of this was one less roster spot for the team to employ a better candidate for third base duties. Gio Urshela ended up signing with the Detroit Tigers later on for $500K less than the $2 million the Mets paid Wendle.
His time with the Mets officially came to a close on May 20. He departed with a .222/.243/.250 slash line and 3 errors in only 56 innings on defense. Offering the club so little on both sides of the ball, it was an easy choice to part ways with him.
Instead of even signing a player like Urshela, the Mets could have just as easily replaced him with veteran infielder Jose Iglesias. He is already showing more heart in only a few days with the Mets than Wendle ever did. How much talent is left will need to wait a few more games. However, it’s already clear Iglesias is a solid clubhouse presence and someone who matches the chemistry of the rest of the team. That’s not to say Wendle wasn’t a good guy or a match. He was just kind of there while Iglesias seems far more comfortable with the attention on him and not in a bad way.
2) The Mets could’ve passed on Michael Tonkin for Dedniel Nunez
Michael Tonkin and Dedniel Nunez aren’t directly related in terms of a roster spot but let’s consider this. Sean Reid-Foley was in a late spring battle alongside Tonkin for a roster spot. He ended up on the IL with a convenient injury. Let’s say, for a moment, this still happens. Nunez could’ve been a worthwhile addition. He carried with him minor league options—something the Mets seemed to completely ignore when building the club in the offseason.
Tonkin was the first victim of the Mets DFA cycle this year. Officially a two-time Met because he did come back through waivers after a trade, his tenure with the club began on December 6 when he was signed to a $1 million contract. It didn’t take long for the Mets to sell him to the Minnesota Twins. On April 9, he left before coming back days later on April 17. He’d leave the Mets again on April 25.
Seemingly a worthwhile investment at such a low price, the problem with adding Tonkin was always how limited it made the rest of the bullpen in terms of options. Alongside Yohan Ramirez and Jorge Lopez, the Mets began the season with three players in the bullpen who’d be gone before June.
Nunez didn’t even begin the season on the 40-man roster. Quickly added in there, he is now a member of the carousel going back and forth from the majors and minors. One of the more impressive relievers we’ve seen, fans are hopeful he turns into something legitimate.
3) The Mets could’ve passed on Jorge Lopez for Josh Walker (or just about any other optional reliever)
Ah, Jorge Lopez. The giver of gloves. His time with the Mets came to an unceremonious end after frustration showed and he threw his mitt into the stands after getting ejected. It wasn’t Lopez’s performance that got him the pink slip. The behavior which followed and lack of remorse was apparently the biggest cause.
The Lopez signing took place on December 13 and at only $2 million, was a third bargain addition by Stearns. For $5 million the Mets had their new backup infielder (Wendle) plus two relief pitchers they were hoping to get some upside out of (Tonkin and Lopez). Life comes at you fast. None lasted.
In addition to the major league signings, the Mets also brought in a ton of players on minor league deals. None have been spectacular. However, lefty holdover from last season, Josh Walker, has been exceptionally good in the minors and has been more than serviceable in the majors. Three lefty relievers on the Opening Day roster isn’t necessarily ideal, but with Walker owning minor league options the team would have the ability to quickly correct this based on the opponent.
Aside from Walker, the Mets could’ve handed the roster spot to a number of other relievers. Lefty veterans Danny Young and Tyler, for instance, offer the same roster flexibility. Let’s not forget about Nate Lavender who unfortunately was sidelined with Tommy John surgery. In an alternative timeline, he’s on the Mets and never got hurt.
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