With Framber somehow still out there, I’m gonna make a pie in the sky proposal:
The Mets sign him on a 2 year, $50M prove it contract with an opt-out after year one and a no-trade clause. This would give the Mets 7 starters (Framber, Peralta, McLean, Holmes, Manaea, Senga, Peterson) and make one expendable.
Next, I’d call the Red Sox and offer to swap Peterson, Brett Baty, Tyrone Taylor and cash for Duran and a prospect. The cash would be to even out the salaries so the Red Sox aren’t absorbing any more money since they seem to be pinching pennies these days.
Taylor replaces Duran as the Sox fourth OF’er and gives them the same (if not better) excellent defense at all three OF positions and eliminates the need to squeeze Duran into the lineup for 600+ AB’s with a healthy Anthony starting every day.
Baty gives the Sox a cheap, controllable 3B with solid defense and coming off a strong offensive finish in 2025 to plug in while Mayer figures things out in AAA.
Peterson gives the Sox rotation more depth (although another lefty) in case Gray regresses in his age 36 season (very possible) or Bello / Oviedo have a rough start to the season or get injured again. Peterson was very good last year but simply ran out of gas as he maxed out his innings and has the flexibility to be a high-leverage, multi-inning reliever out of the pen.
Duran gives the Mets another bat whose profile fits the new Mets offense (more contact vs homer power, runs the bases well and hits in the clutch). He replaces Taylor as the Mets 4th OF but is a much better insurance policy should Benge not earn the LF job out of Spring Training, Robert Jr. gets hurt (50/50 chance) or struggles so much offensively his glove isn’t worth starting him in CF (also a 50/50 chance). It’s also much easier for the Mets to get Duran 600+ AB’s in those likely situations where he potentially ends up the starting LF or CF for large portions of the season. I’d also expect Duran’s defense to improve in Citi Field and the other, larger ballparks in the NL East (except Philly).
As for the Mets rotation, it would look like this:
Valdez, Peralta, McLean, Holmes, Senga, Manaea with Tong, Myers, Scott and others as depth in the minors or bullpen (assuming the 6 man rotation).
Mauricio and Bruján become the backup 2B, SS & 3B combo. Polanco and Vientos split 1B / DH duties.
Fangraphs 2026 Zips predictions for WAR:
Duran: 3.5
Peterson: 2.0
Baty: 2.6
Taylor: 0.9
On paper, that’s a net loss of 1.9 WAR for the Mets, which only makes sense when you add in the 3.1 WAR they are getting from Framber’s signing to make the trade possible. Both teams get better with the Mets also taking the draft pick, international pool $$ and luxury tax penalties.
That gives the Mets the best rotation in the NL East (and maybe all of baseball), with already well rounded offense - making them the favorites to win the division and much better positioned to compete with the Dodgers for a pennant. Their bench remains the weakest part of the roster but that can be fixed during Spring Training or at some point in the season.
Again, pie in the sky idea BUT it makes sense if ya think about it.
I’m putting faith in Mauricio to figure it out…if not from what I’ve heard Reimer could be ready by the end of 2026.
As for Duran, I was looking at a depth chart that had him behind Anthony in LF, so technically he was 4th to me. I’m not confident in both Benge and Robert being in LF / CF for all of ‘26, and definitely not ‘27. I’d be happy if it worked out but I think only one of them ends up hitting enough to stay on.
Again, very interesting. One problem is who plays 3rd next year, assuming Bichette opts out? Mauricio may never hit and Vientos can't handle it. Acuna gone and Reimer not ready. The other big problem with it is that calling Duran a fourth outfielder is like calling Lindor a utility guy. Much too good. Sox have an unusual glut of talent in the outfield. Only 29 and controlled through 2027. He'd block Benge. I know I'm repeating myself but if Stearns can sign Valdez, I'd rather slide one of the starters to long relief.
Interesting moves. I've been looking at Duran for LF myself all along, but the organization seems to be thinking along the same lines as Joel: keep the lane open for Benge.
Valdez would be a nice get at the right price, but at this point in his career, I'm sure he's looking for a term rather than a max AAV on a prove it deal. And I think the Orioles are going to give it to him. Probably something like five years.
Steve, I’m right there with you and have continued to point to Chandler Rome’s story in The Athletic on September 3, 2025. There is a reason no one is touching Valdez. People need to let him go. Otherwise, I love the Durran thinking and endorse it except I would offer Clay Holmes. Of Peterson’s first 24 starts, 16 went for 6 innings or more. That’s not to be overlooked or undervalued. Yes, he hit a wall but this is his walk year and with Holmes having an opt out after this year, they are basically both in their walk years. Give me Peterson!
Durran would be a nice pickup for the Mets. He could play LF until Benge is ready and spell Robert in CF. I’d be OK with Holmes going to Boston on a 1-1 deal too. Would Myers replace him for now?
I also think that Peterson has shown he can go 6+ innings. Hopefully, he doesn’t peter out this season (pun intended).
Like Durran move a lot but think he can be had for less than you’re providing. The Sox NEED a third baseman and Baty is more of a need than a want for them. I think Baty and Taylor get it done.
Not enthused, at all, about Ty France. Why no mention of Jose Quintana? Looking over his game log last year, he pitched well in about 3 out of 4 outings. Great insurance, probably at a reasonable price, IMO.
REALLY big question. I'm assuming he's the right-handed DH, but other than that, maybe the backup to Bichette/Baty at 3B? Not for playing time. Just injury insurance.
If that's the way it goes, we only have room for one guy, depending on how things shake out in Spring Training. I bet if we gave Stearns truth serum and asked him, he'd say the plan is for Benge to come out of the spring as the starter in LF and Baty to be the utility guy, kind of a younger Squirrel.
With Framber somehow still out there, I’m gonna make a pie in the sky proposal:
The Mets sign him on a 2 year, $50M prove it contract with an opt-out after year one and a no-trade clause. This would give the Mets 7 starters (Framber, Peralta, McLean, Holmes, Manaea, Senga, Peterson) and make one expendable.
Next, I’d call the Red Sox and offer to swap Peterson, Brett Baty, Tyrone Taylor and cash for Duran and a prospect. The cash would be to even out the salaries so the Red Sox aren’t absorbing any more money since they seem to be pinching pennies these days.
Taylor replaces Duran as the Sox fourth OF’er and gives them the same (if not better) excellent defense at all three OF positions and eliminates the need to squeeze Duran into the lineup for 600+ AB’s with a healthy Anthony starting every day.
Baty gives the Sox a cheap, controllable 3B with solid defense and coming off a strong offensive finish in 2025 to plug in while Mayer figures things out in AAA.
Peterson gives the Sox rotation more depth (although another lefty) in case Gray regresses in his age 36 season (very possible) or Bello / Oviedo have a rough start to the season or get injured again. Peterson was very good last year but simply ran out of gas as he maxed out his innings and has the flexibility to be a high-leverage, multi-inning reliever out of the pen.
Duran gives the Mets another bat whose profile fits the new Mets offense (more contact vs homer power, runs the bases well and hits in the clutch). He replaces Taylor as the Mets 4th OF but is a much better insurance policy should Benge not earn the LF job out of Spring Training, Robert Jr. gets hurt (50/50 chance) or struggles so much offensively his glove isn’t worth starting him in CF (also a 50/50 chance). It’s also much easier for the Mets to get Duran 600+ AB’s in those likely situations where he potentially ends up the starting LF or CF for large portions of the season. I’d also expect Duran’s defense to improve in Citi Field and the other, larger ballparks in the NL East (except Philly).
As for the Mets rotation, it would look like this:
Valdez, Peralta, McLean, Holmes, Senga, Manaea with Tong, Myers, Scott and others as depth in the minors or bullpen (assuming the 6 man rotation).
Mauricio and Bruján become the backup 2B, SS & 3B combo. Polanco and Vientos split 1B / DH duties.
Fangraphs 2026 Zips predictions for WAR:
Duran: 3.5
Peterson: 2.0
Baty: 2.6
Taylor: 0.9
On paper, that’s a net loss of 1.9 WAR for the Mets, which only makes sense when you add in the 3.1 WAR they are getting from Framber’s signing to make the trade possible. Both teams get better with the Mets also taking the draft pick, international pool $$ and luxury tax penalties.
That gives the Mets the best rotation in the NL East (and maybe all of baseball), with already well rounded offense - making them the favorites to win the division and much better positioned to compete with the Dodgers for a pennant. Their bench remains the weakest part of the roster but that can be fixed during Spring Training or at some point in the season.
Again, pie in the sky idea BUT it makes sense if ya think about it.
I’m putting faith in Mauricio to figure it out…if not from what I’ve heard Reimer could be ready by the end of 2026.
As for Duran, I was looking at a depth chart that had him behind Anthony in LF, so technically he was 4th to me. I’m not confident in both Benge and Robert being in LF / CF for all of ‘26, and definitely not ‘27. I’d be happy if it worked out but I think only one of them ends up hitting enough to stay on.
Again, very interesting. One problem is who plays 3rd next year, assuming Bichette opts out? Mauricio may never hit and Vientos can't handle it. Acuna gone and Reimer not ready. The other big problem with it is that calling Duran a fourth outfielder is like calling Lindor a utility guy. Much too good. Sox have an unusual glut of talent in the outfield. Only 29 and controlled through 2027. He'd block Benge. I know I'm repeating myself but if Stearns can sign Valdez, I'd rather slide one of the starters to long relief.
Interesting moves. I've been looking at Duran for LF myself all along, but the organization seems to be thinking along the same lines as Joel: keep the lane open for Benge.
Valdez would be a nice get at the right price, but at this point in his career, I'm sure he's looking for a term rather than a max AAV on a prove it deal. And I think the Orioles are going to give it to him. Probably something like five years.
Hardly anyone here has concerns about Valdez being a cancer in the clubhouse, etc.? Why do Suarez and Cease have long-term contracts, but not Valdez?
Steve, I’m right there with you and have continued to point to Chandler Rome’s story in The Athletic on September 3, 2025. There is a reason no one is touching Valdez. People need to let him go. Otherwise, I love the Durran thinking and endorse it except I would offer Clay Holmes. Of Peterson’s first 24 starts, 16 went for 6 innings or more. That’s not to be overlooked or undervalued. Yes, he hit a wall but this is his walk year and with Holmes having an opt out after this year, they are basically both in their walk years. Give me Peterson!
Durran would be a nice pickup for the Mets. He could play LF until Benge is ready and spell Robert in CF. I’d be OK with Holmes going to Boston on a 1-1 deal too. Would Myers replace him for now?
I also think that Peterson has shown he can go 6+ innings. Hopefully, he doesn’t peter out this season (pun intended).
Like Durran move a lot but think he can be had for less than you’re providing. The Sox NEED a third baseman and Baty is more of a need than a want for them. I think Baty and Taylor get it done.
Not enthused, at all, about Ty France. Why no mention of Jose Quintana? Looking over his game log last year, he pitched well in about 3 out of 4 outings. Great insurance, probably at a reasonable price, IMO.
I thought we made a mistake letting Q walk last year. We paid Ryne Stanek more than Jose got from Milwaukee.
We're out of slots this year, though.
I’m curious what the plan is with Vientos. If they plan to keep him I’m not sure there’s room to add another bench player?
REALLY big question. I'm assuming he's the right-handed DH, but other than that, maybe the backup to Bichette/Baty at 3B? Not for playing time. Just injury insurance.
If that's the way it goes, we only have room for one guy, depending on how things shake out in Spring Training. I bet if we gave Stearns truth serum and asked him, he'd say the plan is for Benge to come out of the spring as the starter in LF and Baty to be the utility guy, kind of a younger Squirrel.
Maybe Vientos will surprise us and turn out to be a big contributor at DH.