3 moves Mets fans can be jealous their NL East rivals made
And you know it might not be that bad. This was one of the best offseasons the New York Mets ever had. If they hadn’t blown the farm system years ago, they might not be alone—in having to navigate free agency so tirelessly this offseason. We've already looked at moves the rest of the NL East should be envious of. What about the other side?
Even with all of the good moves the Mets did make this winter, there are a few made by their NL East rivals we can feel envious of. Each would have been a fit in one way or another for the Mets. It’s too late to do anything about it now. At least there are a couple of players their NL East rivals can be jealous about, too.
The past is gone, but a solid free agent might be found, to take their place. Hey jealousy.
1) NY Mets should be jealous of the Phillies signing Trea Turner
Trea Turner was someone Mets fans were hoping the team could find a spot for on the roster. Three positions stood out as possibilities. Second base with Jeff McNeil roving around the field was one of the less popular selections. Third base, similarly to the way the Mets had planned to sign Carlos Correa, was another.
The most realistic spot to play Turner may have actually ended up being in center field. The team considered him as a Brandon Nimmo replacement before successfully bringing him back.
Instead of the Mets, the Philadelphia Phillies were the ones lucky enough to sign him. He’ll play at his natural position at shortstop. Prepared to be one of the biggest pests for the Mets this year and beyond, the jealousy level with him isn’t too great.
The Mets have Nimmo in center field and Francisco Lindor locked up as their shortstop. Even so, the thought of Turner in the lineup is mouthwatering.
2) NY Mets should be jealous of the Marlins trading for A.J. Puk
Originally it was going to be Lucas Luetge on the Atlanta Braves roster for this spot. Then the Miami Marlins went out and traded for a guy Mets fans have been talking about for several years. A.J. Puk, the 2016 sixth overall pick, is headed to Miami in exchange for JJ Bleday.
For those curious, there is not an MLB rule where one initialized player must be dealt for another. Never put anything past Rob Manfred.
Puk is in the earlier part of his career. Last season was his coming out party. Following a dreadful albeit limited 13.1 innings in 2021, Puk found his groove in the Oakland Athletics bullpen in 2022. At 4-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 66.1 innings of work, he was the kind of lefty we would have loved to see in Queens last year. He struck out more than a batter per inning and didn’t have a ridiculous walk rate either.
The Mets still have just one lefty permanently placed in their bullpen. This is unlikely to change. They passed up on a reasonable deal they could’ve handed to Andrew Chafin, now a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Mets want the flexibility to option relievers. Puk actually does have minor league options remaining which doesn’t help the jealousy.
3) NY Mets should be jealous of the Nationals signing Trevor Williams
And was once ours is no one’s now. Actually, you’re wrong Taylor Swift. Trevor Williams is now a member of the Washington Nationals. Our beloved long man out of the bullpen has strayed away for bigger and better opportunities down in D.C. We’ll feel the difference throughout the year.
There was no chance the Mets could retain Williams unless they gave him a starting gig. It wasn’t until last season when he consistently became a reliever. He pitched so well the starter-needy Nationals decided to give him a two-year deal worth $13 million.
Turner is a star player the Mets would have dreamed about adding. In reality, it wasn’t possible unless shortstop was open. Puk was a reasonable addition they could have made. No more.
Our connection to Williams, now a former Mets player, creates some surprising envy thrown the way of the Nationals. Who would have thought that the team paying Max Scherzer to win up in New York could do much to get us worked up?
No one is losing sleep over Williams’ departure. The Mets remain loaded with starting pitchers. One could end up taking on a similar duty this year.
If we’re lucky, Elieser Hernandez has the Marlins feeling regretful they ever sent him our way. Meanwhile, the Nationals have a bunch more to be jealous about when they look up at the Amazins.