As the Mets look to remake their roster, Sandy Alderson hasn’t ruled out swinging for a blockbuster trade.
The new team president has said since he rejoined the organization that he’d look to free agency instead of the trade market because they had more money than prospects.
Alderson reiterated that during a Zoom call Thursday, but added that he’s surveying the trade market, as well — a market that could include Nolan Arenado of the Rockies, the Cubs’ Kris Bryant and the Indians’ Francisco Lindor.
“I think the focus is still on free agency,’’ Alderson said. “There are a lot of really good players out there that don’t require prospects in return. On the other hand, there are some interesting players on the trade market, too. I think what we have to do at this point is make sure we’re actively engaged in both areas.”
One of Alderson’s priorities with the Mets is rebuilding their farm system, which remains lacking.
But if the Mets would be willing to take on Arenado’s contract, which has six years and $199 million remaining, it might not cost high-end prospects.
“We don’t want to give up prospects, and we’re gonna be very careful about doing that,’’ Alderson said. “On the other hand, there might be something out there that causes us to say, ‘OK, with respect to this particular deal, this makes sense to us, and while we don’t want to give up prospects, maybe there’s a way we can do this.’ ”
He also stressed that, although the team’s third base situation isn’t settled, with J.D. Davis and Andres Gimenez “options” to play the position, it’s not the Mets’ top priority.
“Is it as glaring a need as a third or fourth starter? I don’t think so,’’ Alderson said. “But, look, we’re gonna look for targets of opportunity, and if there are ways to make our team better in areas where we’re not the weakest but could use an upgrade, then those are things Jared [Porter, the Mets’ new general manager] and the organization will have to consider.”
Alderson stressing the importance of adding a mid-level starter comes in the wake of Porter saying the Mets would look at “lengthening” the rotation behind Jacob deGrom.
Whether that removes them from the Trevor Bauer sweepstakes is unknown, as it seems their focus at the high-end of the free agent market remains on outfielder George Springer.