In line with a source, Mets scouts have been tracking Reds star closer Alexis Diaz, who’s 14-for-14 in saves. The Mets’ biggest issue is an underperforming offense. But relief depth might be issue No. 2, and adding a more in-depth to mix with David Robertson — especially Edwin’s brother — could be huge.
No trade talk yet, however the resurgent Reds would seek young pitching back.
Trouble is, acquiring the junior Diaz would take a haul of prospects. And the Mets wish to keep prospects.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hinted at why he’s announced he won’t ever play for the Yankees, telling The Post, “It’s a family thing.” Nevertheless, Guerrero added he promised his father, the Hall of Famer, that he wouldn’t go into specifics.
The Mets made the fitting call to only present offers they likely knew could be refused by Jacob deGrom, who’s out until at the very least the second half of 2024 along with his second Tommy John surgery. The Mets’ offer is believed to have been in that $105 million-$110 million range over three years, near $80M lower than he received from Texas.
A Mets person called the choice to principally pass on deGrom a “no-brainer.”
Texas gambled big with some pitching pickups, and Cy Young candidate Nate Eovaldi is greater than making up for deGrom. At $34M for 2 years, he’s the deal of the winter.
One in every of Texas’ underrated big signings was manager Bruce Bochy, who they made the sport’s highest paid manager with a deal estimated at $6M per, including extras, principally matching his salary his last three years in San Francisco. Can’t argue with that for the three-time World Series champion.
Marlins rookie manager Skip Schumaker is drawing praise with their 35-28 start. “He holds players accountable,” one Marlins person said.
The Marlins’ trade for Luis Arraez was generally knocked since they gave up solid starter Pablo Lopez and well-regarded infield prospect Jose Salas. But Arraez is hitting .403 through 63 games and threatening to grow to be the primary to win a batting title in a single league and follow by winning one in the opposite league.
