Report: Mets targeting more than 1 of Springer, Realmuto, Bauer, Lindor
The New York Mets appear ready to make a splash.
New York is interested in acquiring more than one of George Springer, J.T. Realmuto, Trevor Bauer, and Francisco Lindor this offseason, a source told ESPN's Buster Olney.
The Mets are set to add $24 million in additional payroll following Robinson Cano's season-long suspension, and new owner Steve Cohen has promised to field a contender soon.
Springer, Realmuto, and Bauer are all free agents, and Lindor is expected to be traded by the Cleveland Indians before the beginning of the season.
The four players have combined to make 10 All-Star Game appearances.
Career stats
| PLAYER | PA | wRC+ | OPS+ | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Springer | 3567 | 134 | 131 | 26.6 |
| J.T. Realmuto | 2940 | 109 | 111 | 18.9 |
| Francisco Lindor | 3510 | 118 | 117 | 28.9 |
| PLAYER | IP | ERA+ | FIP | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trevor Bauer | 1190.0 | 113 | 3.85 | 19.9 |
The Mets don't necessarily need to add an outfielder with Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, Dominic Smith, and Jeff McNeil on the roster. However, Springer provides any lineup with a potent top-of-the-order bat, and he's a proven playoff performer with 19 postseason home runs and the 2017 World Series MVP to his name.
New York is seeking catching help after declining the 2021 options on backstops Wilson Ramos and Robinson Chirinos. Realmuto has accrued more WAR than any other catcher since 2018, according to FanGraphs.
Meanwhile, right-hander Noah Syndergaard is set to be sidelined for an extended period after undergoing Tommy John surgery in late March. Bauer is coming off a dominant campaign, for which he won the National League Cy Young Award.
The Mets are one of several teams reportedly linked to Lindor.