Mets News: Free agent enforcer cut, Buck Showalter got spicy, DH hunt continues

The New York Mets made one of two roster decisions on Tuesday. While making the Jake Diekman signing official, they cut ties with reliever Austin Adams.

Somewhat of a surprise given Adams had signed a split contract earlier this offseason which meant they could have optioned him to the minors, the “enforcer” won’t get a chance to protect his teammates.

Adams’ most intriguing quality was the MLB record 24 hit by pitches he delivered back in 2021 as a member of the San Diego Padres. A high walk and high strikeout pitcher for much of his career, having someone able to strike a little more fear into the opponent for a team that never seemed to get much retribution for its own players getting hit would have been a small reward. Could he pass through waivers? His special contract situation might help it happen.

Former Mets manager Buck Showalter had lots to say

Buck Showalter is doing the media rounds and one clip in particular on the Foul Territory show had fans missing him already.

It’s no secret Showalter has more of an old-school approach to the game. It’s one of the reasons why after two consecutive rookie managers Mets fans were eager to see him hired. From a fan perspective, it’s impossible to disagree with Showalter. Riding the hot bat seems to be one of the simplest ways to assemble a starting lineup. Resting a guy on a hot streak because he ran a few extra times around the base is a baseless strategy—or is it?

Former Mets GM Zack Scott chimed in as well.

It’s interesting to see Scott mention how lineups aren’t handed to the manager. He wasn’t working for the Mets during the Showalter years, however, Showalter has already gone on the record to say he was basically forced to play Daniel Vogelbach. Which is it? Perhaps it’s somewhere in the middle. Your boss can’t make you do everything but also your boys can imply that you must.

Meanwhile, Showalter also believes the Mets could have gutted out a wild card spot last season. Seeing how the Arizona Diamondbacks barely snuck in and so did the Miami Marlins, it certainly seems possible.

Mets rumors of a possible DH target

Write Mark Vientos’ name in pencil for your projected Mets Opening Day lineup. The Mets are still checking in with other options, including J.D. Martinez.

Dialogue doesn’t seem to imply anything is close and it’s likely more due diligence than anything else. If Martinez were to accept a one-year deal worth $10 million as he did last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, would this be acceptable enough?

The fact that the Mets aren’t fully committed to Vientos, DJ Stewart, and Starling Marte sharing the majority of DH duties seems to indicate they should add a bat regardless of price. Should we believe Martinez to the Mets happens? Probably not. Should we waste a penny on the mall in a wishing well to make it happen? Throw on the pennies you have.