5 Moves the New York Mets Could Make at Winter Meetings

By Matt Turner

5 Moves the Mets Could Make at Winter Meetings

Sandy Alderson New York Mets — MLB’s Winter Meetings run from today, Monday, through Thursday. The Mets won’t be making any huge deals or trades (most likely), but expect at least one, and maybe several, small move(s) to be made. With the exception of a few big-ticket free agents – Pablo Sandoval, Hanley Ramirez – most players remain available, which means lots of teams will be making moves. The Mets may find themselves in the middle of it by making any of the following deals.

5. Trade For a Shortstop

Alexei Ramirez Chicago White Sox

5. Trade For a Shortstop

Alexei Ramirez Chicago White Sox — GM Sandy Alderson has said he’d be fine with Wilmer Flores starting the season at shortstop, but that shouldn’t prevent him from testing the waters. Chicago Cubs’ Starlin Castro seems out of reach, but the Chicago White Sox’ Alexei Ramirez or Seattle Mariners’ Chris Taylor appear to be ideal candidates. A trade for one of these might require Daniel Murphy in addition to a pitcher.

4. Unload a Big Contract

Bartolo Colon New York Mets

4. Unload a Big Contract

Bartolo Colon New York Mets — The Mets’ biggest contracts are those of David Wright and Curtis Granderson. They’re staying put, but Bartolo Colon, Jonathon Niese or Dillon Gee and their multi-million dollar (and with the exception of Colon, multi-year) contracts could be traded away for an outfielder or another offensive player.

3. Select a Player in the Rule 5 Draft

Delino DeShields Houston Astros

3. Select a Player in the Rule 5 Draft

Delino DeShields Houston Astros — The past two years the Mets selected a player from the Rule 5 Draft and immediately turned him around for cash considerations. With the Mets ready to compete, they may select a Minor Leaguer they think could help them soon. A name that keeps popping up as a target for any team is Houston Astros’ OF/2B Delino DeShields. Keep in mind the Mets’ 40-man roster currently sits at 39 players.

2. Sign an Outfield/Bench Bat

Jonny Gomes Oakland As

2. Sign an Outfield/Bench Bat

Jonny Gomes Oakland As — Although the Mets already signed Michael Cuddyer, they should continue looking for another outfield bat. By adding another outfielder, they could save Cuddyer, who's getting older, while also allowing him to platoon with Lucas Duda at first base. A trade for Yoenis Cespedes would be ideal, but signing a player like Jonny Gomes, Ryan Ludwick or Nori Aoki would be more likely.

1. Sign a Left-Handed Reliever

Scott Rice New York Mets

1. Sign a Left-Handed Reliever

Scott Rice New York Mets — The lone southpaw in the Mets’ current bullpen is Josh Edgin. They could always bring back Scott Rice since a player like Andrew Miller a) is already signed and b) was out of their price range anyway. The Mets have a bad habit of overusing lefties from the bullpen, so adding one by April is a must.

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New York Mets

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