Mets' biggest areas of need

Heading into the 2012-2013 off-season, few expect the Mets to make any major moves that will them to compete in 2012, but there is no question that the roster needs to be upgraded, when via trade or free agency. Due to the organization's financial constraints, these player will likely be arriving via trade, and it will be interesting to see how creative GM Sandy Alderson gets this winter in order to make his team better.

Catcher

Josh Thole failed to live up to expectations in 2012, taking a major step back in his development in the process. The club is most likely going to give him another shot in 2012, but there is no question that they need to acquire a backup catcher with some pop his bat. Kelly Shoppach did a nice job complementing Thole at the end of last season, and could be brought back on a reasonable contract. 

Names to consider via free agency: Kelly Shoppach, Miguel Olivo, Rod Barajas, Russell Martin, David Ross.

Names to consider via trade: Ryan Hanigan, John Buck

Center fielder

Andres Torres had a rough 2012 campaign, but honestly, what did we expect from a guy with one decent season under his belt. Torres is a fast outfielder, and can hit from both sides of the plate, but occasionally makes bonehead plays out in center field and is easily one of the worst offensive hitters outfielders in the game. I doubt that the club brings him back. Kirk Nieuwenhuis provided a spark for the Amazin's in the first half of the season, but faded down the stretch once pitcher's realized how to handle him. I expect him to be in the center field mix in Spring Training, but going out and acquiring a veteran outfielder makes sense.

Names to consider via free agency: Rick Ankiel, Grady Sizemore, Shane Victorino

Names to consider via trade: Peter Bourjos, Dexter Fowler, Roger Bernadina

Right fielder

Now that Duda has pretty much moved over to left field, the right field position is pretty much empty. On the depth chart, you will see Mike Baxter as the right fielder. However, Baxter is a bench player, and it is obvious that the Mets need a corner outfielder with some pop. The team could shift Jason Bay over there, but he will probably continue to struggle, forcing the Mets to go out and look for a right fielder. 

Names to consider via free agency: Scott Hairston, Torii Hunter, Juan Rivera, Cody Ross, Melky Cabrera

Names to consider via trade: Corey Hart, Justin Upton, David DeJesus

Starting Rotation

The rotation is going to need some minor tweaking. Santana, Dickey and Niese are all locks for the 2013 rotation, but players like Dillon Gee and Jeremy Hefner could be left out. Mike Pelfrey could possibly come back on a minor league deal, and those are the sort of moves you will see Alderson make this winter. Reclamation projects will be what he will focus on.

Names to consider via free agency: Scott Baker (unlikely), Jeremy Guthrie, Shaun Marcum, Tim Stauffer, Chris Young

Names to consider via trade: Rick Porcello

Bullpen

The Mets' bullpen need some major work, whether it is the closer role or the long relief man. Frank Francisco is unfortunately locked up for the 2013 season for the hefty price of $6 million, and he will likely start the 2013 season as the closer. Do I agree with that? No. I think the team should look to sign a few "Jon Rauch" type players. If the team isn't competing by the time July comes around, they can just trade those players for some prospects. That's definitely what I'd do, and I have a feeling that Alderson has the same mindset.

Names to consider via free agency: Ryan Madson, Joakim Soria, Matt Capps, Mike Adams,  Shawn Camp, (Plenty of other players)

Names to consider via trade:  Matt Belisle, Luke Gregorson, Chris Perez