The Mets should not pursue Cody Ross this winter

The Mets have made it clear that they will look for outfield help this off-season, and will probably make more trades than free agent signings. However, there are a few players out there, Cody Ross to name one, that some believe would be a good fit in New York. The Mets have been connected to Ross for the last few years, dating back to when he was in a Florida Marlins uniform. He will generate quite a bit of interest this winter, and I expect that he will be massively overpaid.

Ross hit .267 with 22 home runs and 81 RBI last season with Boston, and expressed interest in returning to the Red Sox. However, the Red Sox are not likely going to be any good next year, and after last season's clubhouse debacle, Ross may change his mind and want out of Boston. I expect the Red Sox, as well as team's like the Orioles, Yankees, Braves and Phillies to make a push for him. Those team's have the financial flexibility to overpay for Ross, because it is ultimately going to come down to that-who can offer to most money?

According to reports, Ross is going to seek a three year deal, worth between $21-25 million. That means he is asking for an approximate $7-9 million annual salary, which doesn't surprise me at all. Ross is a type of player that I would want on my team, but not for that price. He has some pop to his bat and is clutch in the playoffs, but is not worth $7-9 million, especially if a team, like the Mets, have financial constraints. That is really the big issue I have with going after Ross, because he is a pretty darn good player but unfortunately will be out of the Mets' price range. 

So, the real reason I don't want the Mets to go after him is because I feel like they need help in different areas, such as the bullpen or catcher. I just don't see the point of paying your entire payroll cap space on one player, because paying a bunch of smaller-reclamation project like players for a cheaper price just seems like the right thing to do. They did that last year, with Francisco, Rauch, and others, and I think that we should do that again this season. Does any Met fan want to hear that? Not at all, but giving big contracts to these guys just is unnecessary  especially if your team is not ready to contend.