Losing out on George Springer isn't bad for the New York Mets

Jan. 19 was probably the worst day in the short tenure of Steve Cohen's majority ownership of the New York Mets. The organization fired GM Jared Porter after an article revealed that he had sexually harassed a female reporter during his time with the Chicago Cubs, which was a black eye for the franchise off the field. There was also an on-field disappointment when the Mets lost out on free-agent target George Springer, who signed a six-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays worth $150 million.

The fit made sense on paper for the Mets, who have been searching for a real center fielder throughout the offseason. Springer was the crown jewel of the free agent class, a 31-year old outfielder who could play the position defensively and has a ton of postseason experience from his years in Houston. The Mets reportedly offered a six-year deal around $120-$125 million and were not willing to increase their offer to match Toronto's, which guarantees Springer an average salary of $25 million a year.

This deal was easy to make for the Blue Jays, who have a very young core of players and can add a $25 million salary without hamstringing their future payroll needs. Toronto also had to overpay to get Springer to come play in Canada for most of the contract, let alone wherever the team has to play this season due to coronavirus restrictions.

There is no question that Springer would have made the Mets the favorites in the National League East but signing him became a luxury for the franchise when they acquired Francisco Lindor from the Cleveland Indians. Lindor is a 27-year old shortstop who many consider to be one of the top five players in the sport, so his presence alone will significantly upgrade the Mets' lineup. There is also a very strong likelihood that the Mets and Lindor agree to a contract extension in the neighborhood of $300 million in spring training, which would ensure he stays in Flushing for the majority of his prime.

The Mets could have chosen to match Springer's contract if they wanted but it is important to remember what Sandy Alderson has mentioned in the past about maintaining flexibility. There is more capacity to spend with Cohen, as we have seen this offseason, but having too many long-term contracts can limit your ability to do things if the deals blow up, as we have seen with the struggles the Angels have had to put a team around Mike Trout.

Signing Lindor long-term is a priority, so let's assume for argument's sake that the Mets opted to bring Springer in too with Cohen willing to blow by the luxury tax in order to win right now. Springer's long-term viability in center field is a question mark and if he has to move to a corner in two years that puts the franchise in a similar position that they are in right now with too many corner outfielders and no real center fielder. The deal could also cost the Mets a chance to retain Michael Conforto, who is four years younger than Springer and still ascending ahead of free agency next winter.

The Mets also have to be aware of the fact that Jacob deGrom can opt out of his contract after 2022, which he likely will if he keeps pitching at a Cy Young level, so negotiating a new deal with him will be pricey. There are also plenty of other candidates to consider long-term deals with, including upcoming 2021 free agents like Noah Syndergaard and Marcus Stroman as well as core players like Jeff McNeil, Pete Alonso and Dominic Smith.

Not all of those players will be signed to six-figure contracts but a long-term slot for Springer likely would keep the Mets from paying to retain one of those players. It also would potentially block a long-term contract for a free agent next winter who could be a better fit for the roster, like third baseman Nolan Arenado if he opts out of his contract with the Colorado Rockies.

Maintaining long-term flexibility is good but it isn't as if the Mets will simply call it quits for the rest of this winter. The Mets still have about $27 million left under the luxury tax and can use that cash to address other needs, such as a left-handed reliever out of the bullpen and a defensive oriented center fielder. Signing Brad Hand for the bullpen and Jackie Bradley Jr to play center field helps deepen the roster and improves the Mets defensively by moving Brandon Nimmo to left.

This offseason hasn't played out exactly how Mets' fans envisioned it when Cohen took over, with the most starry eyed fans seeing a big spending spree ending with the Mets signing multiple top free agents. This offseason is similar to one that the Dodgers typically do, where they aren't active at the very top of the market but use their resources to score values via trade while also maintaining the financial might to make a big splash if they so choose.

The day will come when the Mets decide to go sign a top of the market player and they still managed to land a guy in Lindor who is far better than any of the market's top free agents. That alone should be a reason for enthusiasm even if missing out on a guy who seemed to fit perfectly like Springer stings.