Hi!!!!!!! Here’s some actual Hot Stove news!!!!
That was a fun lede to write.
Anyway, according to sources with direct knowledge of the Mets’ thinking, a reunion with Michael Conforto is not on the radar, nor is a pursuit of free agent Kris Bryant. There are some in the organization that want Conforto, but the prevailing sentiment is that it’s an unlikely fit. We didn’t say impossible, but we did say unlikely.
The Mets will be focused on adding rotation and bullpen help, and perhaps add a depth bat, per those sources.
While the team is not expecting to add another so-called “big name” free agent, sources allow for the possibility that the coming frenzy will create an unexpected opportunity.
What if a star player wants a one-year deal? Or if Kyle Schwarber becomes available cheaper than expected? The Mets would be in on that.
I can tell you that the Mets have no pre-lockout deals in place or close. There is no framework on any player to sign a deal immediately.
As for the Yankees, the early read is that they will be aggressive in upgrading their offense. We’ve written about the names -- Freddie Freeman (maybe), Carlos Correa (maybe but probably not), Matt Olson (not if it costs shortstop prospect Anthony Volpe) -- and can tell you that in this unpredictable market to come, it’s impossible to pin down exactly who it will be.
For today, know that the heavy expectation is the Yanks will add hitters that will make their fans happy. And maybe some pitching depth.
