Red Sox Sign Pablo Sandoval

The Red Sox have signed Pablo Sandoval to a five-year, $100M contract.

How does this affect the Mets? And why might it be good news for the Phillies?

Kung Fu Panda’s choice to leave his heart in San Francisco immediately weakens the Giants (for the moment), so from that perspective, it’s good for the Mets. It could also be good for the Mets in that it creates a surplus of infielders and/or outfielders on the Red Sox roster — surplus that may be dealt this winter. The Mets are reportedly in the market for another righthanded-hitting corner outfielder to play on days that Michael Cuddyer plays first base — maybe that could be Daniel Nava or Allen Craig. Maybe — assuming Sandoval’s signing pushes Hanley Ramirez to the outfield — it means someone like Shane Victorino or Yoenis Cespedes will be made available. On the other hand, maybe Han-Ram plays shortstop, making Xander Bogaerts expendable.

Along the same lines, Boston’s sudden surplus could be leveraged to acquire a big-time ace starter to lead the Red Sox rotation — someone like, say, Cole Hamels.

There is much speculation in the media and by baseball insiders that the Boston’s grand plan is exactly that — and it certainly makes sense. After a last-place phinish in 2014, and not much help coming phrom the pharm anytime soon, the Phillies have to make drastic changes to be relevant in 2015 — and their most valuable chip to trade is Hamels.

What could Hamels bring back in a deal with Boston? I could very easily see a package consisting of Cespedes, Bogaerts, Will Middlebrooks, Joe Kelly, Mookie Betts, and/or a top pitching prospect such as Henry Owens or Brian Johnson. Such a haul — and GM Ruben Amaro, Jr., HAS to get such a haul in return for Hamels — would allow the Phillies to deal Jimmy Rollins and/or Ryan Howard for more youth and/or pitching, and just like that, the team’s future is looking slightly brighter.

Dealing Hamels is probably what the Phillies need to do, but all signs suggest that Amaro will only make a deal that’s overwhelming. Does Boston have enough to do that? I’m not sure; I’d think Amaro would require more in the way of MLB-ready pitching — though, if the Phillies project former Cardinal Kelly as a starter, he could be enough.

Regardless, it will be interesting to watch Boston’s next moves, as it’s clear they are reloading for the immediate future. I could definitely see them dealing Cespedes to the Mets for a starting pitcher such as Dillon Gee, Jonathon Niese, or Bartolo Colon.

What’s your thought? Do you think the Red Sox and Mets match up on a deal? Will the Phillies send Hamels packing to Boston? Post your thoughts in the comments.

Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
  1. meticated November 27, 2014 at 2:20 am
    You don’t men six players for Hamels…hard to fathom…and what are you occupying yourself with?…I’m visualizing you in your wine cellar…sprawled out with a circle of uncorked bottles surrounding you , and a big grin…with blue oyster cult on CD…my sense is open the season with Flores…Reynolds seasoning in Vegas…if its an epic fail than give up a pitcher from our surplus for a Mariner excess…play the Den Dekker Nieuwenhuis combo as replacement outfielders, and stockpile money for the trade deadline ..my perceptions are that the current free agents are not outstandingly better than our roster
  2. meticated November 27, 2014 at 2:27 am
    Unless we trade from Boston’s overabundance…a Betts or Bradley…hands off rehabbing Victorino and Cespedes is a wild untamed bronco …but that cannon…would be fun to watch…but lazy in refining his skills…bad routes and all…or perhaps Kemp…but the length and pricetag means no way Jose…last thought…are we all in on Moncado…I would think we should kick the cuban vintage 1956 Chevy hardtop tires on this one
    • Joe Janish November 27, 2014 at 5:47 am
      Wait … who is sprawled amongst uncorked bottles on the floor of the wine cellar?

      Happy Thanksgiving!

  3. DanS November 28, 2014 at 6:04 pm
    A few Sundays ago the Boston Globe ran a story, “Red Sox Coaches Hate {yes, they used “Hate”] Cespedes.” The article went on about his unwillingness to make changes in his game, untouchability, etc. A perfect guy for the Mets? I hope not (I still haven’t gotten over Vince Coleman).
  4. argonbunnies November 29, 2014 at 4:45 pm
    Yeah, much as the Sox probably want to add an elite pitcher, no team is going to trade such a pitcher for their OF depth, meaning that regardless of Hamels deals, guys like Nava, Victorino and Craig should be options for the Mets. Honestly, if the Sox like Niese, it shouldn’t be a stretch to get TWO of those guys for him.

    I was glad to see the Mets spend a little after 2013, but the Granderson signing is looking worse and worse. Where are you going to play Craig or Victorino, without asking Cuddyer and Grandy to compete for jobs? And if all you’re getting is a bench guy like Nava, well, is that worth Jon Niese? With den Dekker ending 2014 looking like a capable understudy, would that really improve the team? Maybe a 3-team trade, with Sox OFs going to Seattle and Brad Miller coming to the Mets, would make more sense.