Mets sportscaster offers insights into Anthony Santander, Jesse Winker, Alex Verdugo's Queens compatibility

There's still a little time left in spring training, and the New York Mets have some gaps to fill in their 2025 roster. Although the Mets have acquired hitter Juan Soto, sportscaster Evan Roberts mentioned that the team seems interested in Alex Verdugo, Jesse Winker, and Anthony Santander.

Roberts believes that Jesse Winker is a better option for the Mets than Alex Verdugo, despite the stats suggesting otherwise. Additionally, Santander is currently in talks with the Toronto Blue Jays, but Roberts mentioned that things might change if the Mets push harder for him.

"There is a report from Chris Conteo is his name, a reporter in Boston, that the Mets are one of the many teams. It's not just the Mets. It's about four or five teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have checked in on Alex Verdugo. So I'm trying to figure out what other smallish pieces the Mets are trying to add. And I think that they definitely would add one more bat in that outfield DH mix. I think Jesse Winker is the guy most of us prefer," Evans said.

"I just think that Winker is a better option. I'll make it as simple as that. While Verdugo will give you more glove and certainly is a better defensive outfielder, I don't think we're going to see a lot of Brandon Nimmo in centerfield. And I know the Mets made that offer to Teoscar Hernandez. And I'm still digesting that, like what the thought is," he added.

Robert Evans also mentioned that the Mets might consider signing a deal with Santander if he agrees to a short-term agreement.

"I even believe with Anthony Santander, they'll be in on him if it's a short-term deal. Right now, I think Anthony Santander is probably still asking for a five-year contract and may end up getting that from a team like Toronto. But just reading the tea leaves on their interest in Hernandez, their interest even in Verdugo, and the way this roster is constructed, I think Jesse Winker is a backup plan," he stated.

To bolster their chances of reaching the World Series in 2025, the New York Mets require an additional hitter on their roster. While they still have time to explore their options, it is crucial for them to make a decisive move soon.

Jesse Winker might sign with the Toronto Blue Jays instead of the New York Mets

The New York Mets surprised a lot of people with their trade for Jesse Winker before the MLB Trade Deadline in 2024. They sent their No. 17 prospect, Tyler Stuart, to the Washington Nationals in exchange for Winker. However, this trade wasn't initially well-received by Mets fans.

Winker quickly found his place on the team and delivered strong performances on the field. The Mets knew that the outfielder would be with them for only a few months, as he was set to become a free agent after the 2024 season. There is still a chance that he could return to the Mets, although Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report doesn't think so.

"The Blue Jays have long been in search of some left-handed pop to add balance to their lineup, and both Anthony Santander and Jesse Winker fit the mold, though they also represent bat-first options and one of them would have to man left field," Reuter wrote.

Reuter predicted that Jesse Winker might play as a designated hitter for the Blue Jays and bat second on Opening Day in 2025. While many believe the Mets view Winker as a backup plan, it remains to be seen which team he will choose during his free agency period.