Sandy Alderson Dishes On His One Mets Regret

by Tim Reilly February 05, 2019

It’s officially the Brodie Wagenen era. While I prefer to look ahead at what’s to come during his regime, I couldn’t help but have a look back after Sandy Alderson made some interesting comments regarding his biggest regret.

To the surprise of no one, Alderson regrets letting Daniel Murphy walk after having an all-time great postseason.

“The one thing I regret — and I told him this — was not signing Daniel Murphy,’’ Alderson told the NY Post. “We’ve kept in touch. He’s a great person and a really good player.”

Alderson would go on to add: 

“We made him a qualifying offer and he signed a multi-year deal elsewhere. I don’t think we predicted him sustaining that level of performance and he didn’t end up being part of our strategy. But I applaud him for what he’s done. I’d like to have that one back.’’ 

Need a refresher on Murph’s deal with the Nationals? 3 years for $37.5 million. Yeah, that was a steal. 

With all the roster flaws the Mets dealt with in recent years, just think of the good Murphy would’ve done in Queens. It’s a damn shame Murphy wasn’t retained because, to me, he would’ve shifted over seamlessly to play third base, his natural position, in Wright’s absence or even first base at a bargain price. I was pissed off about it then and I’m still pissed off about it now.

What could’ve been…

We already know what Murphy did in Washington and continued to do in Chicago after the trade deadline. Unfortunately, he’s also become a Mets killer. Every. Single. Time. he comes through in the big spot against the Mets. I can’t even get mad at the guy. He wanted to stay here, and he wasn’t shown any love. Now, he turns his game up a notch to seek revenge every time he steps in the box against the Orange and Blue. I can respect that.

Should this really be Sandy’s biggest regret though? How about Frank Francisco’s two-year deal? Maybe thinking Alejandro De Aza was a starting outfielder? Antonio Bastardo? Jason Vargas???

Letting Murphy walk was really bad, but for now, I’d say designating Justin Turner for assignment should be Sandy’s biggest regret. One day it might be Murphy if he keeps up this production. For now, all you have to do is look at what Turner has done the past 5 seasons since leaving New York. 

Also, don’t forget Murphy will be playing in Colorado this year. Don’t be surprised to see Murphy + Coors Field = Future batting title. He just might be fighting Justin Turner for it…  

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