Don't Be Fooled: Mets' Offseason Was Very Successful

Key moves should add up to an exciting 2021 season

With a new owner and a seemingly endless supply of money to work with, expectations were as high as ever in Queens coming into the off-season.

The Mets were said to be either in on or the favorites for nearly every major player to enter free agency, as well as on the trade market.

With expectations as high as they’ve ever been, many fans online have been disappointed with the Mets missing out on Trevor Bauer, George Springer, J.T. Realmuto, and more. But was this offseason really a failure after all of the hype it provided early on?

The short answer is no. Yes, it would have been great to see them get one of the big-name free agents, especially Springer considering the team’s center field struggles in recent years.

However, they still had arguably the most successful off-season since the turn of the century, comparing only to the two before the culmination of that project in 2006.

That 2006-to-2008 era squad was a dominant team, albeit with a less-than-storybook ending.

The Mets still acquired a superstar talent in Francisco Lindor and didn’t give up anyone at the very top of the farm system to do so. They also got Carlos Carrasco in the deal, who’s pitched to a 3.54 ERA in 141 starts since 2015.

In addition, the Mets still did add talent on the free-agent market. For example, they signed James McCann, who was widely considered the second-best catcher available this off-season.

They also added depth at multiple positions with the signings of Trevor May, Aaron Loup, Jonathan Villar, Jose Martinez, Albert Almora Jr., and the recently signed Kevin Pillar.

They also traded for starting pitching depth when they got Joey Lucchesi from the Padres in a three-way deal with Pittsburgh and boosted the farm system in another three-team deal that brought outfield prospect, Khalil Lee, to New York.

So Mets fans, relax a little bit. It’s understandable to be frustrated with the lack of big-ticket additions while also recognizing the impact this off-season should have for 2021 and beyond. Both things can be true.

Pitchers and catchers officially report on Wednesday. And who knows, maybe Sandy Alderson and company have one more big move up their sleeve.

But regardless, baseball is back. Let’s enjoy what’s setting up to be the most exciting season in years.

As always, remember to sign up for our free email list! Every article, in your inbox upon publishing.