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...
Everyday center fielder...
Free-agent center fielder Adam Jones told reporters this past weekend that he'd like to play for another four to five years, hopefully for a team that wants to win now.
"I've got no stress," Jones told MASN Sports. "The Orioles have been good to me financially over my career. I just know that I have a lot to offer someone else and I have a lot of gas in the tank."
MY TAKE >> Last month, I advocated signing Jones and I feel the same today. Then, Insiders were telling me Jones would likely end up signing a two-year deal worth around $10 million. Jones doesn't have to be an MVP candidate.
He simply needs to remain healthy, be a consistent presence in center field and keep showing up as the outstanding leader and hard working class act he's always been in the clubhouse. I think he'd be a great, motivared, hungry, vocal, glue-guy type addition for a team in need of all of those qualities in a leader.
Adding an impact bat...
The Diamondbacks are intent on trading 1B Paul Goldschmidt, rival executives told ESPN.com's Buster Olney, though the reporter is not yet convinced Arizona is ready to make the move.
The Mets haven't ruled out pursuing free agent Bryce Harper, according to Jon Heyman, who added he'd be shocked if Harper ends up calling Citi Field home in 2018.
Insiders believe Harper will eventually sign with the Phillies, The Athletic's Jayson Stark reported.
MY TAKE >> Fine, but wake me up when there's a report stating they are pursuing Harper. Not ruling something out and actually pursuing someone are two totally different things.
According to multiple local reports, the Mariners are talking with team's interested in trading for SS-2B Jean Segura, though they are also still considering whether to sign him to a contract extension.
Segura, 28, has only ever played shortstop and second base during his seven-year career.
Help in the bullpen...
The Mets, Phillies and Cardinals are among teams actively interested in free-agent reliever Andrew Miller, according to FoxSports' Jon Morosi. Earlier this month, SNY's Andy Martino reported that the the Mets requested medical history for Miller, who dealt with knee, hamstring and shoulder injuries in 2018.
Nathan Eovaldi is a starting pitcher, yet a few teams are considering whether to sign him to be a relief pitcher, the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo wrote this past weekend.
MLB reporter Jon Morosi believes the Mets are also among teams to ask the Mariners about trading for Mitch Haniger and closer Edwin Diaz, but sources have told ESPN.com's Buster Olney that, despite rumors, neither player is available.
Everyday catcher...
The Mets and Indians have discussed a trade for catcher Yan Gomes, and there is a decent chance for a fit, major league sources told Martino.
MY TAKE >> The Indians are looking for a young outfielder, leaving Martino wondering if the Mets would consider trading Noah Syndergaard, then trade Brandon Nimmo for Gomes and Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, or Trevor Bauer, all of whom are reportedly available. I'm intrigued, but doubtful that Cleveland would trade one of their top starting pitchers and starting catcher for just Nimmo. That said, Martino is right to suggest offering Nimmo because, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, if the Indians move one of Kluber, Carrasco or Bauer, it'll be for an everyday big leaguer that can help them win in 2019.
In either case, while the above should pique Brodie Van Wagenen's interest, it'll require his staff being super prepared with how they set this up and then follow it up throughout the winter.
Despite recently signing catcher Kurt Suzuki, Baltimore reporter Pete Kerzel says the Nationals are still interested in adding an elite catcher, such as free agents Yasmani Grandal or Wilson Ramos or trading for J.T. Realmuto.
Miscellaneous, but worth knowing...
The A's and Reds are among the teams interested in free-agent Matt Harvey, according to FanCred. The Mets traded Harvey to the Reds last season, during which he finished 7-7 with a 4.50 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 111 strikeouts in 128 innings.
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!