{"id":149556,"date":"2022-12-06T08:16:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-06T08:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harchi90.com\/eppler-mets-still-have-room-after-verlander-acquisition\/"},"modified":"2022-12-06T08:16:00","modified_gmt":"2022-12-06T08:16:00","slug":"eppler-mets-still-have-room-after-verlander-acquisition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/harchi90.com\/eppler-mets-still-have-room-after-verlander-acquisition\/","title":{"rendered":"Eppler: Mets Still Have Room After Verlander Acquisition"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo Credit: Corey Sipkin of New York Post<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The New York Mets wrapped up day one of the winter meetings, securing another ace in Justin Verlander<\/strong>.<\/strong> The Mets new 1-2 of Verlander and Max Scherzer<\/strong> will command $86 million in salary next season and now need to plan their next moves.<\/p>\n

Salary shouldn’t be a concern for the Mets but even Steve Cohen might have a limit for a single year. The good news is while holding court in a ballroom of one of San Diego’s premier hotel rooms, general manager Billy Eppler said the Mets aren’t done yet.<\/p>\n

According to Eppler the Mets still have room to add multiple deals with a high AAV this year.<\/p>\n

Eppler couldn’t discuss the Verlander deal because it’s not official but he could discuss a current free agent who is in San Diego meeting with teams. Brandon Nimmo<\/strong> is window shopping other clubs but New York and Nimmo \u2013 who is represented by Scott Boras \u2013 still have dialogue.<\/p>\n

Eppler was curt in his response and did not say if the Mets would be a team meeting with him over the next few days. Of course, things can change but Eppler and his front office staff seem to be preparing for a life without Nimmo in centerfield. Earlier on Monday, it was reported the Mets were intrigued by free agent left fielder Andrew Benintendi<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The market for centerfielders is terrible this winter. Once you lose out on Nimmo the next best option is Cody Bellinger<\/strong>.<\/strong> The only other option would be a trade to acquire Bryan Reynolds<\/strong> via trade with the Pirates but they don’t appear intent on trading him this week and the prospect cost will be great.<\/p>\n

Despite the bravado of having the richest owner behind him, Eppler and his staff will look to save money somewhere.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just have to get creative in other areas and be open to doing things in the trade market if they present themselves,\u201d Eppler said.<\/p>\n

Some names have surfaced but they don’t seem to be Mets fits just yet. Luis Arraez<\/strong> of the Twins is available for a premier pitcher. White Sox closer Liam Hendriks<\/strong> is as well but the Mets likely don’t want to have the two priciest relievers in baseball along with the two priciest starters.<\/p>\n

Eppler kept his roundtable short and didn’t reveal much about the Mets plans. They already have the highest payroll in baseball for 2023 at $228 million. The Atlanta Braves currently have the second highest at $166 million.<\/p>\n

Last season the Mets hit $268 million in payroll, second in baseball behind the $270 million spent by the Dodgers. The Mets need to finish this offseason by filling holes in the starting rotation, outfield, and bullpen.<\/p>\n

The hot stove will continue tomorrow. The Mets aren’t set to fire up the burners immediately but there’s always a chance.<\/p>\n

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