The Mets should be looking to improve their bullpen, as well as add an everyday catcher, at least one impact hitter and depth beneath the entire roster.
Here are the latest headlines and rumblings from each of the above markets, followed by my take on how things currently stand and may shake out...
The everyday catcher
The Marlins are unlikely to hit the pedal on dealing J.T. Realmuto until at least the MLB Winter Meetings and possibly after one of Yasmani Grandal or Wilson Ramos have signed with a new team, according to sources I've talked to with teams that have been in contact with Miami.
If they don't trade him this winter, the Red Sox will bring Blake Swihart to Spring Training as a catcher after experimenting with him at other positions and in a utility role last season.
"His trade value would be maximized if he could stick behind the plate," Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald wrote this past weekend.
My Take >> I'm still not convinced the Marlins want to deal Realmuto. They're still asking for a lot, including wanting Victor Robles in talks with the Nationals. It's going to take a lot, more than the Mets are going to want to deal if they truly plan to push for a postseason spot in 2019.
The Sox were asking a lot for Swihart earlier this past season, when the Mets checked in on him after Travis d'Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki both went down with injuries. However, Swihart had a difficult season and is one year older, so I assume he'll cost less today.
The everyday, right-handed position player...
According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Phillies are working hard to trade 1B Carlos Santana, who they inked to a three-year, $60 million contract last winter.
My Take >> The Mets had interest in Santana last winter, but I see no way they get themselves bogged down with a full-time, everyday guy making a lot of money the next two years when they clearly want Peter Alonso to ascend and take over the position. As for the Phillies, reports indicate the they are primed to spend huge money on at least two big free agents this winter. My hunch is they want one of Bryce Harper or Manny Machado and probably Patrick Corbin. In dealing Santana's $35 million, it'll free up extra money to further their spending spree.
The Noah Syndergaard rumors
In addition to Syndergaard's name being floated on the trade market, other pitchers rumored to be available include James Paxton (Mariners), Sonny Gray (Yankees), Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco (Indians), Zack Greinke (Dbacks) and Madison Bumgarner (Giants).
In regards to teams in need, the Astros intend to lean on the trade market when searching this winter for a starting pitcher, Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports. As a result, he says, "Houston is inquiring on nearly everyone."
The market for relief pitchers
Set-up man David Robertson prefers to sign with a team in the Northeast, reports WEEI Boston. Robertson has spent most of his career in the area and his wife has family in Medfield, Mass.
According to MLB.com, the Braves are weighing whether to make an offer to free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel, who is expected to get a deal worth close to $70 million.
In case Mickey Callaway is let go mid season
The Reds and Rangers wanted to hire Joe Girardi to be their manager, but he took himself out of the running early in the process, he told Brendan Kuty of NJ.com.
"I just decided that I was going to broadcast another year and spend another year with my family, wait to see what opportunities are presented next year and go from there," Girardi said.
Matthew Cerrone (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Contact) is lead writer of MetsBlog.com, which he created in 2003. He also hosts the MetsBlog Podcast, which you can subscribe to here. His new book, The New York Mets Fans' Bucket List, details 44 things every Mets fan should experience during their lifetime. To check it out, click here!