What a day for the Mets!
When the Cubs scooped up Ben Zobrist, one of the hottest free agents in the league right from under the Mets' noses, the Mets needed a backup plan. There was talk that they might not have one, but they proved everyone wrong.
They made a quick move for Pirates 2B Neil Walker, trading SP Jon Niese for him straight up.
Let me be clear: this was a great move.
The Mets, with four healthy young arms plus Zach Wheeler on the way back from injury and guys like Logan Verrett and Rafael Montero ready to contribute until Wheeler comes back, had no need for Niese. He was making too much money to be what was essentially their 6th (or even 7th) starter.
But the Mets did need a second baseman, and in Walker they got just that.
He may not be a superstar, but he is very solid defensively and is better at the plate than Wilmer Flores or youngster Dilson Herrera, who will now have more time to develop in the minors instead of being thrown into a starting role before he's ready.
The Mets also scooped up SS Asdrubal Cabrera in the same day, signing the player to a 2-year deal.
This one also makes sense, as the 2 shortstops on the Mets' roster are injured and racing to be back in time for Spring Training. In any case, Cabrera might be better than both Tejada and Flores (the guys who split time at SS last season) through and through.
Like Walker, he's no superstar, but this was a very good move for a team that needed some depth.
Sure, I'm sad to see Niese go after all that he's done for this team over the past couple of years. He's been through thick and thin with a team that struggled so much and he will be remembered as a tough Met and a good man.
But business is business, and the Mets got two players that could start everyday for them on the cheap in exchange for one player that they did not need. When you look at it like that - and I think you have to - this was a great day for the Mets.
Do you like the moves?
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