MLB Winter Meetings: Day 3 News and Rumors

I'm not a Mets fan, but as a baseball fan it's kinda fun seeing N.Y. city's "little brother" challenging the Yankees.

As to the questions posted:

1] Yes, I believe Cruz will be a Twin. I believe he bas one more really good season left. Maybe not as outstanding as he bas been, but still really good. IF there is a 2nd year involved, then you hope for a decent/solid year. The underground whispers that are prevalent that the Twins will be keeping payroll close to last season provide a a great deal of optimism and makes sense to me.

Schwarber is a guy I haven't even mentioned previously, but without Cruz on board, he could make tremendous sense. Now, for various reasons, I might prefer Brantley, but if the FO wants a primary fixture at DH, Schwarber could be the guy. He CAN play some OF for versatility. He COULD still be an emergency #3 catcher. I mean, that's what he was when drafted and his original position. I have to believe he could be an extra depth option at 1B as well.

2] The Twins will be making 2 infield moves. Despite calls for trade options, there is so much available FA talent that I think that's the way to go. Does that mean a SS for insurance on Polanco having another surgery, or moving him to utility remains to be seen. But as I stated in part 2, they can go a lot of directions here to build a great bench. Even if they stick with Polanco at SS, how about Hernandez and then add Adrianza, or shoot higher offensively with Frazier or Gyorko, etc. OR, sign that SS, utilize Polanco as a versatile utility and STILL sign another solid second guy.

The infield needs to be addressed. The good news is there are a multitude of quality options available.

3] Yes, they are going to add to the rotation. My hunch? They will go the FA route vs trade. Again, my hunch, with a number of decent options out there, the FO would like to keep the system intact FOR NOW and bring in someone they like/believe in for 2021. Publicly, there are no Odorizzi rumors. But once again, he makes the most sense for both parties, whether it be 1yr or 3yrs. I'm intrigued by Richards. Don't sleep on rumors about Kluber. There is an obvious connection there. If he is 85% of his old self be would be an excellent #3 SP, with hopeful potential for more. He's a definite risk. But a 1 + 1 option for $8-10M...possibly less with incentives...could be a risk worth taking.

I think the Twins believe in Dobnak as a #5, despite his late season demotion. (I mean, really, he was a rookie after all). And I think they have strong belief in Duran, Balazovic and apparently Ober. But none may be ready. But I believe there will be another milb invite, at least, and probably a late addition in January or early February for $2-3M. Think a Bailey type signing.

If not Cruz, I'm not sure what direction they will go. But another proven bat needs to be added.

Soooo many options available to add to the infield and 10th man than they can hardly fail.

One quality addition to the rotation and a cheap flier with the numbers indicating someone should be available.

4] Surprised you didn't bring the pen up. And I'm repeating myself here, but there will probably be a plethora of decent arms available to add late. And this team knows how to build a pen. But for a contending team, the FO is too smart to depend on their smarts, if that makes sense. While it would awesome to spend $8-10M on a big time arm like Hand or Hendricks, is that the smart move? Or rather still, a move the FO would see as smart? How about Clippard, Soria and Yates or Bradley for a combined $11M?

I don't know if it's a big move tomorrow, or a couple smaller moves weeks from now. But despite trusting what they have, who is seemingly ready, they are going to bring in at least 2 BP arms. The glut of options alone will allow for this.

The mets have been a dysfunctional franchise for most of my fandom years. Does a new owner change all of that? I don't see the Mets as a WS contender in 2021. If I were Bauer I would not go there but NYC is a great opportunity to promote his brand.