Steve Cohen is officially in charge.
Suddenly, every shiny toy on the shelves seems like it’s in our reach.
Bauer? Sure.
Springer? Yup.
Realmuto? Why not?
I can’t lie. It’s fun. It’s fun as hell!
Picturing the biggest and best free agents on the market in our lineup is a dream come true.
However, if you take the I-95 South to Philadelphia, that dream has become a nightmare.
Here was my prediction from two years ago, which is still alive and well.
So far, so good.
The Phillies have not had a winning season since 2011. JT Realmuto, who they gave up Sixto Sanchez and Jorge Alfaro for, is now a free agent. They don’t have the money to re-sign him, according to their owner, John Middleton.
Jake Arrietta and David Robertson are free agents. Word is, they are looking to deal Jean Segura.
From where I’m sitting, they have completely bungled their rebuild.
They have Bryce Harper signed through 2030 and a farm system which ranks in the bottom tenth of the league.
I’m glad Sandy Alderson is back in the mix. I’m excited that he now has the money to spend if he identifies a deal that could be a difference maker. Conversely, I’m confident that he will urge the Mets to remain prudent when the time comes.
Sure we have our Gavin Cecchinis but Alderson’s draft resume speaks for itself. First base, Second Base, Shortstop, Left and Right Field will be manned by Alderson selections in 2021.
That, in a nutshell, is what we need going forward. A potent homegrown core, with timely signings to put us over the top.
It’s tempting to go after every free agent on the market. I also wouldn’t want to watch a Phillies game in 2021 not started by Zack Wheeler or Aaron Nola.