Atlanta Braves find the NL East making major updates around them

New York Mets

While a bit slow to get out of the blocks, new GM Brodie Van Wagenen is trying to play catch-up… quickly.

I don’t really understand what their plan is (not that it’s a requirement that I know), but if they continue on this trajectory then a couple of things are plausible:

• This team could make some noise
• Fred Wilpon will need to refill his anti-acid prescription early and often

So the current working theory – not mine originally, but it seems fairly reasonable – is this:

• Closer problem – solved
• Second base problem (did they have one?) solved
• Some salary cleared
• Noah Syndergaard – going to San Diego, perhaps?
• If so, then could they get catcher Francisco Mejia back?
• Are they really in the running for Corey Kluber, then?

Now regardless of whether it makes sense to commit to 5 years of an aging Cano when they could have gotten any number of free agents or regardless of whether Diaz was worth taking Cano and giving up 2 high-ranked (for them) prospects when other options – even Craig Kimbrel – could have been obtained more cheaply, the Mets could make this work.

UPDATE:  Reports Tuesday suggest that Syndergaard is not moving (’bout time they figured that out):

It seems that their new Front Office believes that now is their chance for the next couple of years.  At least, that’s the thinking that brought in this new regime in the first place.  It’s a slim chance, but it’s a chance.

Some other things would have to come together, but their pitching rotation is still a key part of this.  They should have enough arms to keep them in many games.  They will still need Yoenis Cespedes to come back to something resembling his old self.  They will still need more offense in general.  But they could end up being annoying.

Remaining needs: catching, shortstop, center field, middle relief