Report: Mets Shocked By Asking Prices Of Free Agents, Other Teams
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Mets entered the offseason with the hope of finding cost-effective players that would help fill needs and appease the fans. All they've gotten in return so far for their efforts has been a cold dose of reality.
According to a report in the New York Post, the Mets are suffering through a case of "sticker shock" right now, for many of the players on the free-agent market that they have interest in want a lot more than general manager Sandy Alderson appears to want to shell out.
The Mets have had their eyes on shortstop Jhonny Peralta for a while now, but even with his problems stemming from his involvement in the Biogenesis saga, he's holding firm on wanting a three-year deal for in the neighborhood of $45 million.
Mostly because Peralta knows he'll probably get it from someone.
The Mets had hoped to get the 31-year-old for two years and $20-25 million, the Post reported.
Curtis Granderson also remains a viable option for the Mets, provided they meet his demands, which are reportedly around $60 million over four years. The 32-year-old outfielder earlier turned down the Yankees' qualifying offer of $14.1 million for the 2014 season. Nelson Cruz is another potential target and was also suspended due to his involvement with Biogenesis, but, like Peralta, appears to have a real market.
As for pitching, the Mets like 37-year-old Bronson Arroyo, but it's believed he wants up to a three-year deal, something Alderson doesn't want to give out, the Post reported, leaving ex-Yankee Phil Hughes as a more realistic possibility.
Even on the trade front, the asking prices are off the charts. To get a productive outfielder, the Mets will almost certainly be asked for top pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard, whom Alderson has said is untouchable.
There's still plenty of time for the Mets to do something to fulfill the fans' demands, but unless they either agree to ante up or find a trading partner desperate to dump a player, they may end up with their noses pushed up against the glass this winter.
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