“Big Apple Bet: Mets Make Bold Move with Two-Year Offer to Power-Hitting Teoscar Hernandez”
**Mets’ Interest in Teoscar Hernandez: A Calculated Move or a Blind Pursuit?**
The New York Mets’ pursuit of Teoscar Hernandez has been a topic of interest in the baseball world, particularly in light of their recent signing of Juan Soto. While the team’s interest in Hernandez may be a legitimate attempt to bolster their outfield depth, it also raises questions about the team’s priorities and financial considerations.
According to The Athletic’s Will Salmon, the Mets’ offer to Hernandez would have a similar average annual value to the contract he signed with the Dodgers, but would not be an extension. This suggests that the team is exploring short-term options to address their outfield depth, particularly if Soto decides to sign elsewhere. The Mets are also interested in re-signing Jesse Wink in such a role, which could indicate a preference for a more affordable option.
However, the Mets’ interest in Hernandez may also be a case of due diligence, as they have the financial resources to acquire any available player. President of baseball operations David Stearns may have taken a look at Hernandez as a talented hitter who could be a good fit for the team. Despite the potential drawbacks, signing Hernandez would cost the Mets more draft and international bonus capital, which could be a concern given their luxury tax situation in 2024.
The addition of Hernandez to the team would make the outfield lineup even more crowded, with a projected starting outfield consisting of Soto in right field, Brandon Nimmo on the left, Jose Serra and Tyrone Taylor in center, Starling Marte possibly demoted to DH responsibilities, and Jeff McNeil, Jared Young, and Luis Angel Acuna ready to step in as pinch hitters. If the Mets were to sign Hernandez, it’s likely that Nimmo would return to center field, unless the team successfully opens up the DH spot by trading Marte.
The Mets’ openness to paying off some of Marte’s $19.5MM owed by the team could hint at a potential trade, which could create an opportunity for the team to clear space for Hernandez. However, if signing Hernandez is viewed as a unique situation, the Mets’ outfield depth could mean they’re unlikely to pursue other outfield bats like Anthony Santander or others unless traded for Marte.
### Frequently Asked Questions
**Q: Why is the Mets interested in Teoscar Hernandez?**
A: The Mets are interested in Hernandez as a short-term option to address their outfield depth, particularly if Juan Soto signs elsewhere. They also have the financial resources to acquire any available player.
**Q: What would signing Hernandez cost the Mets?**
A: Signing Hernandez would cost the Mets more draft and international bonus capital, including their third and fourth highest draft picks.
**Q: Will signing Hernandez affect the team’s outfield lineup?**
A: Yes, the addition of Hernandez would make the outfield lineup even more crowded, with a projected starting outfield consisting of Soto in right field, Brandon Nimmo on the left, Jose Serra and Tyrone Taylor in center, Starling Marte possibly demoted to DH responsibilities, and several other players available for pinch-hitting duties.
**Q: Is the Mets’ interest in Hernandez a blind pursuit or a calculated move?**
A: The Mets’ interest in Hernandez may be a case of due diligence, as they have the financial resources to acquire any available player. However, it’s also possible that they may be exploring short-term options to address their outfield depth.
**Q: Could Hernandez’s signing affect the team’s trade possibilities?**
A: Yes, the Mets’ openness to paying off some of Marte’s $19.5MM owed by the team could hint at a potential trade, which could create an opportunity for the team to clear space for Hernandez.
### Conclusion
The Mets’ interest in Teoscar Hernandez is a calculated move that reflects their desire to address their outfield depth, particularly if Juan Soto signs elsewhere. While signing Hernandez would cost the team more draft and international bonus capital, it’s also a chance for them to gauge his interest in joining the team. The addition of Hernandez would make the outfield lineup even more crowded, but it’s also a opportunity for the team to create space by trading Marte. Ultimately, the Mets’ pursuit of Hernandez is a strategic decision that reflects their priorities and financial considerations.
