Mets rumors: Melky Cabrera, Shane Victorino, A.J. Pierzynski

The New York Mets do not have the organizational depth to complete a significant trade or the payroll to compete for high-profile free agents, reports Ken Davidoff of The New York Post, meaning the team will have to spend wisely this winter. Davidoff lists several free agents who could fit the Mets’ needs, including Melky Cabrera, Shane Victorino, Marco Scutaro, A.J. Pierzynski and Randy Choate.

So Alderson and his lieutenants must better utilize the Moneyball principles that landed them with the Mets in the first place.

New York will be shopping the outfield market, and Davidoff believes Cabrera could be a good low-risk, high-reward investment. He admits that Cabrera’s future production is unknown given his positive test for performance-enhancing drugs.

Beyond Cabrera, Davidoff says the Mets could look to veteran outfielder Shane Victorino if the price is right. With superior options such as Josh Hamilton and Michael Bourn available, Victorino’s market could take a while to develop.

The Mets may look to upgrade at catcher over Josh Thole. While Russell Martin may prove too pricey, Davidoff believes Pierzynski could "be a better financial fit."