New York Mets Hot Stove Update: Beltran Trade? Maine Gone?

The New York Mets quiet off season is finally picking up. Other than all the movement in the front office, the Mets had not been heard from about any potential off season moving and dealing. The past few days have been a different story and we have the latest rumblings from the Major League Baseball winter meetings.

– The Mets have spoken with the Boston Red Sox about possibly trading Carlos Beltran. New GM Sandy Alderson is willing to pay some salary in order to send off Beltran. An interesting idea was brought out in one of the local newspapers thats Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka has a similar contract.

– New York and pitcher D.J. Carrasco have agreed to a two year contract worth $2.5 million. Carrasco pitched 78 1/3 innings for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season. He finished the year with a 3.68 ERA, 7.5 K/9 and 0.57 HR/9 ratio. He had a 47.5% groundball rate as well.

– Catcher Ronny Paulino agreed to sign a one year, $1.3 million contract with the Mets. Paulino will provide catching depth.  The deal also includes incentives and is pending a physical. In 316 plate appearances for Florida last season, Paulino batted .259.  He still has eight games remaining on a suspension for PED’s last season.

– The Mets front office has talked with representatives for pitcher Freddy Garcia.

– Chad Qualls has the interest of the Mets. The 32 year old relief pitcher split time with the Diamondbacks and Rays last year. In 59 innings, Qualls had a 7.32 ERA and 7.5 K/9 ratio.

– Sean Green, Chris Carter, and John Maine were non-tendered and have become free agents, likely ending their time with the Mets.

– Alderson will listen to offers for David Wright, Carlos Beltran, and Jose Reyes. Of the three, Beltran is the most likely to be dealt. Would you deal Beltran now or show that he is healthy and trade him later in the year?

– The team could move Reyes before the trade deadline next July if the two sides can not agree on a contract extension before that.

– The Mets have inquired about outfielder Fred Lewis. Lewis played all three outfield spots for the Toronto Blue Jays last season and batted .262 in 480 plate appearances. Lewis had 31 doubles and 17 stolen bases.

– New York feels catcher Russell Martin and pitcher Brandon Webb are too risky to sign.

– Chris Young and Jeff Francis are starting pitching targets for the Mets. They prefer Young and his $2 million asking price over Francis and his $4-5 million.