Billy Eppler comments on payroll after the Justin Verlander signing, hints at possible trades on the way

The New York Mets splashed big on Monday with the addition of Justin Verlander as an answer to losing Jacob deGrom. It’s the kind of deal you digest for a whole day. General manager Billy Eppler might not get the same courtesy. He has to be on his toes.

While commenting about the $85 million committed to Verlander and Max Scherzer, Eppler gave some clues as to what could be next for the Metropolitans:

Creativity and trades? Eppler knows how to get Mets Twitter talking.

Mets trade needs and other ways they can get creative

It’s very possible we see the Mets go into the 2023 season with a lineup similar to what they finished off the year with. Darin Ruf should be gone, though. The team will need to add at least one outfielder whether it’s a returning Brandon Nimmo or someone else. Free agency will offer them plenty of obvious opportunities. The trade market is a bit harder to decipher.

The Mets would be doing something they haven’t done under Steve Cohen if they were to trade for Bryan Reynolds. He’s a high-cost addition which will plunder some major assets from the farm system. A more realistic target could be Randal Grichuk of the Colorado Rockies. At least he can mash lefties.

In terms of creativity, the Mets could be looking to use the players they’d like to dump in order to find some bullpen help. Swapping James McCann for a questionable reliever or a starting pitcher who clearly isn’t cut out to begin games any longer is one option. Because money is what could stop the Mets from simply signing all of the best players they can, we’d have to imagine they aren’t too interested in taking on bad contracts from other teams.

Eppler’s best trade by far since joining the Mets was the addition of Chris Bassitt to the rotation. His trade deadline moves still require fans to light a scented candle every night. When it comes to trades of a major impact, creativity isn’t something they’ll probably have the luxury of doing. Give up something of value. You should be able to receive a solid return for it.

We’re going to have to start assuming David Peterson or Tylor Megill has a spot in next year’s rotation. The Mets will need to find at least one other arm. Hopefully, it doesn’t take too much creativity to find him.