The New York Mets had been having a quiet offseason—until today. Monday, WFAN's Mike Francesa said that he has some major Mets news that he will announce Tuesday.
As promised, on Francesa's show he let out the news that the Mets have reached and agreement with Boston outfielder Jason Bay.
The contract is believed to be a backloaded one over four years. Some experts think that Bay will be getting as little as $10 million this season and around $19 million in the final season of his four-year contract. The New York Times is reporting the deal is the same four-year, $64 million offer the Mets made weeks ago, suggesting that "no other club appeared ready to come close to the Mets' offer."
Bay is currently 31 years old, and at the end of his contract he will be 35. I love that the Mets found a way to squeeze out a four-year contract from Bay. Five years would've been too long, but four is just fine.
I am one of those Mets fans that favored Matt Holliday over Bay. I believe that Holliday is a better player than Bay in almost every aspect, but Holliday was asking for too big a contract.
I believe that this a great move by Omar Minaya, and the Mets. The Mets were in need of an offensive upgrade, and Bay certainly fits that model. An upgrade is and upgrade.
The fact that this deal is backloaded means that the Mets still have money to spend on another pitcher and a catcher. This move puts the Mets in good shape to have another productive offseason.
Update: It is reported that the contract contains a fifth year vesting option. The option is said to be easily attainable and could change the deal to a five year $80 mill. The deal is currently pending on a physical that should be taken early next week.
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