The New York Mets face the likely possibility of being at the pit of the National League East in 2013 as few contracts will expire next season, leaving the team with little cash to pursue free agents.
The pool of free agents in 2013 includes guys like Michael Bourn, B.J. Upton, the mighty Josh Hamilton and Nick Swisher among many of free agents. Fans should not get look at offseason purchases as the answer to their woes because none of these guys will likely get offers from the Mets.
Props has to be given to the Mets who have been fighters all season long. With practically a bunch of nobodies aside from David Wright and Ike Davis, who is the team's biggest home run threat in the lineup, the Mets challenged all their opponents and got off to a hot start.
They were in the battle for the NL East, but hopes of getting to the top were over almost right after the All-Star break and Wild Card illusions quickly followed.
According to ESPN, these are the players and figures that the Mets will get rid of after the 2012 season:
Approximiately $5.7 million Mike Pelfrey
$3.5 Jon Rauch
$2.65 Ramon Ramirez
$1.15 Ronny Cedeno
$1.1 million Scott Hairston
$1 million Tim Byrdak
Possible non-tendering of Andres Torres, who is eligible for arbitration in 2013, would add $2.7 million to the total of money available for free agents.
That leaves a total of less than $18 million for the Mets to spend in 2013. The idea of adding players with back loaded contracts is unlikely since general manager Sandy Alderson dislikes contracts structured in that way.
Let's face it, the need help in the outfield, but most importantly, their bullpen.
Jason Bay will get a pay raise and so will Johan Santana. Combined they will be owed $50 million.
If there is any hope for the Mets it will come in 2014 when they will only have to worry about Jonathan Niese's contract.
The Mets' Anderson will try to build the team's farm system in 2013. They still possess one of the youngest power arms in the minors as Zach Wheeler, but he will do little to change the fate of the team in the 2013 season.
The same cast of players now will have to compete against the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves. Both teams have young talented players that should have the teams at the top of the division for the next couple of seasons.
The Mets will likely have an opportunity to compete following the 2014 season.
