The Mets made their first major move of the offseason and added a big bat in Jason Bay. The former Sox outfielder agreed to a contract that will pay him $66 million over four years and could go over $80 million in five years. It looks great on the surface since Bay gets paid and the Mets get some much-needed power. The Mets’ logic was described thusly by ESPN:
Bay has been maligned in some quarters for his subpar defense, but the Mets analyzed the metrics and found that he suffered in Boston from the “Fenway Park factor.” They believed his perceived lack of range in left field was accentuated by the minimal area of ground he had to cover in Fenway.
The Mets also believe that Bay’s ability to pull the ball will help him in pitcher-friendly Citi Field, which is spacious in the gaps but plays fairer to hitters down the lines.
We’ll probably analyze the power aspect of Bay’s game and how he’ll adapt to Citi Field later in the week. In any case, word is that Mets execs are out for the holidays and Bay’s physical will take place next week. However, it isn’t quite a done deal. SI’s Jon Heyman reports that the Red Sox had previously found “physical issues” when they examined Bay. He believes that the same ailments may lead to a “marathon” finalization process between Jason Bay and the Mets.
My gut says that the two sides will iron out the details and that the deal should end up working out for the Mets. Obviously, it works out for Bay too. Though it remains to be seen if this will actually return the Mets to relevance next year. Bay won’t be able to carry the team on his own — and Mets’ fans shouldn’t expect that out of him.
Tags: baseball, boston red sox, Citi Field, contracts, free agents, hitters, Jason Bay, MLB, new york mets, outfield
