Mets Re-sing Top Baseman on a Blockbuster Deal
Can the playoffs really influence a front office’s strategy regarding a player? Probably not. However, the perspective of fans can shift dramatically. With the New York Mets extending their success into October, opinions about certain players are also evolving.
When the playoffs commence, a new season begins. The additional series and games make MLB resemble the NHL more closely, where the hottest teams progress rather than just the ones that excelled in the regular season.
Let’s momentarily set aside the players’ regular season performances. These three individuals, who faced challenges during the regular season, might have changed your view of them based solely on their playoff contributions.
Jesse Winker
Jesse Winker will be one of the most talked-about free agents for the Mets, with some fans eager to see him re-signed while others will be glad to see him go. Is a return possible? There’s definitely a spot for him. As a part-time DH and corner outfielder, Winker fits well with the Mets. The front office will need to consider how much they want to include him in their future plans, even at the risk of tarnishing his reputation as a postseason performer.
Winker is currently batting .316/.519/.684 in the playoffs, with 5 walks and just 3 strikeouts. He’s become the best option for the DH role, overshadowing his disappointing September.
Winker shouldn’t expect to command a high contract this offseason. He’s best suited for a platoon role as a left-handed hitter. For the Mets, the key question will be how many years they’re willing to commit, as they need to keep space for rising talents. A one-year deal would likely be the most sensible option.
Ryne Stanek
Ryne Stanek had a rough regular season when viewed closely, posting a 6.06 ERA that can be misleading. Much of that damage came from a poor debut against the Atlanta Braves and a tough outing against his former team, the Seattle Mariners, where he allowed 7 of the 11 earned runs against him. However, he’s proven to be a reliable option for Carlos Mendoza in the postseason.
This October, Stanek has consistently secured more than three outs per game for the Mets, building momentum as he heads into free agency. Fans are hoping for at least one more opportunity to see him shine against the Dodgers, which could bolster his appeal for a return.
Last offseason, Stanek signed a $4 million deal with the Mariners, a figure that may be similar to what it would take to re-sign him now. When you consider inflation, his strong playoff performance, and subtract his lackluster regular season, the numbers still point to a comparable deal, possibly with a second year or a little extra money.
At the end of the regular season, you might not have considered bringing Stanek back, but now you may find yourself envisioning a roster that includes him once again.
Pete Alonso
It’s completely understandable if your opinion on Pete Alonso hasn’t changed at all, just as it’s perfectly valid if his playoff performance has shifted your perspective. If his postseason efforts have made you want him more, you’re in good company—if you’re feeling less enthusiasm, though, that’s another story.
Alonso had a subpar year by his standards, showcasing a low batting average but high power output, which still saw a dip in both power and run production. The main issue was his poor performance with runners in scoring position.
Instead of delving into stats, let’s focus on the emotional highlights of his playoff run. His Game 3 home run against the Milwaukee Brewers will be memorable, along with his power show against the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS. Hitting an early homer against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 ignited excitement for his potential return.
However, it’s likely that Alonso’s postseason performance won’t significantly influence his future with the Mets. He’s been around long enough for the team to have a solid understanding of his value. Fans don’t have to fret about the financial burden of his salary or deal with regret if he underperforms down the line.
We have the luxury of focusing on the present. If Alonso hasn’t won you over by now, he probably won’t. But if you’re among those who believe he should stay with the Mets, welcome to the conversation!
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