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A reasonable case can be made that the Phillies signing of Marlon Byrd either was or was not wise. What's not debatable is that Byrd's departure from the free agent pool means one less available player who would improve the Mets. The front office allegedly has some money to spend and there are dozens of free agents who represent an upgrade for the Mets at various positions. For everyone's sake -- the Wilpons, Sandy Alderson, Mets fans -- I hope several of these players will be wearing orange and blue next season. Here is a list of all free agents who would make the Mets a better team. Go out and get some of these players, Sandy Alderson.
Notes:
- I included players like Robinson Cano, who won't sign with the Mets but would nonetheless be an upgrade at second base.
- If a player should be added to or removed from the list, suggest it in the comments. I'll update accordingly. Click here for a list of free agents.
- I will update this list periodically as players are signed this offseason.
Starting Pitcher
Bronson Arroyo
Scott Baker
A.J. Burnett
***Bartolo Colon*** (signed with the Mets!: 2 years, $20 million)
Scott Feldman
Matt GarzaDan Haren (signed with Dodgers: 1 year, $10 million with a vesting option for 2015)Tim Hudson (signed with Giants: 2 years, $23 million)Phil Hughes (signed with Twins: 3 years, $24 million)
Ubaldo JimenezJosh Johnson (signed with Padres: 1 year, $8 million with a performance-based option)Scott Kazmir (signed with Athletics: 2 years, $22 million)Hiroki Kuroda (signed with Yankees: 1 year, $16 million)
Paul MaholmRicky Nolasco (signed with Twins: 4 years, $49 million with a fifth-year option)
Mike Pelfrey
Ervin Santana
Masahiro TanakaJason Vargas (signed with Royals: 4 years, $32 million)
Relief Pitcher
Grant Balfour
Joaquin Benoit
Joba Chamberlain
Bruce Chen
Jesse Crain
Scott DownsJason Frasor (re-signed with Rangers: 1 year, $1.75 million)
Mike Gonzalez
Kevin GreggLaTroy Hawkins (signed with Rockies: 1 year, $2.5 million)
J.P. Howell
Boone LoganJavier Lopez (re-signed with Giants: 3 years, $13 million)
Edward MujicaJoe Nathan (signed with Tigers: 2 years, $20 million)
Pat Neshek
Manny Parra
Chris Perez
Oliver Perez (ha)
Fernando RodneyJoe Smith (signed with Angels: 3 years, $15 million)
Matt Thornton
Jose VerasBrian Wilson (signed with Dodgers: 1 year, $10 million with a player option)
Jamey Wright
Catcher
Note: Unless Travis d'Arnaud is traded, there's no reason to sign a top-flight catcher. Signing a back-up catcher might make sense though.
John BuckBrian McCann (signed with Yankees: 5 years, $85 million with a vesting option for a sixth year)Jose Molina (as a back-up) (signed with Rays: 2 years, $4.5 million)Dioner Navarro (signed with Blue Jays: 2 years, $8 million)Carlos Ruiz (signed with Phillies: 3 years, $26 million with a fourth-year team option)Jarrod Saltalamacchia (signed with Marlins: 3 years, $21 million)
First Base
Corey Hart (signed with Mariners: 1 year, $6 million, up to $13 million with incentives)
Kendrys MoralesMike Napoli (signed with Red Sox: 2 years, $32 million)
Second Base
Robinson Cano (signed with Mariners: 10 years, $240 million)
Omar Infante (I would prefer Daniel Murphy to Infante but it's close)
Third Base
nope
Shortstop
Stephen DrewJhonny Peralta (signed with Cardinals: 4 years, $56 million)
Outfield
Carlos Beltran (signed with Yankees: 3 years, $45 million)Marlon Byrd (signed with Phillies: 2 years, $16 million plus third-year vesting option)
Shin-Soo Choo
Nelson CruzJacoby Ellsbury (signed with Yankees: 7 years, $153 million plus eighth-year option)
***Curtis Granderson*** (signed with Mets!: 4 years, $60 million)Kelly Johnson (signed with Yankees: 1 year, $3 million)Nate McLouth (signed with Nationals: 2 years, $10.75 million plus a third-year option)Mike Morse (signed with Giants: 1 year, $6 million)David Murphy (signed with Indians: 2 years, $12 million plus a third-year option)
***Chris Young*** (signed with Mets!: 1 year, $7.25 million)