With the MLB offseason officially underway, the New York Mets are poised to make waves. After a tumultuous season in which they fell 11 games under .500 by late May, the Mets staged a remarkable turnaround to reach the National League Championship Series. With over $180 million coming off their payroll, owner Steve Cohen has the financial flexibility to make bold moves as the team focuses on its World Series aspirations.
Here’s a four-step plan to help the Mets capitalize on their opportunities this offseason:
Step 1: Sign Outfielder Juan Soto
The Mets’ top priority should be acquiring Juan Soto, the 26-year-old outfielder who had a stellar season with the Yankees, hitting .288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs. A World Series champion and four-time All-Star, Soto is expected to demand a record-breaking contract, and the Mets’ financial resources make them a strong contender for his services.
Soto’s market will likely be competitive, especially if he prioritizes financial gain over loyalty to the Yankees. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets were quick to reach out to Soto’s camp once he became a free agent, and owner Steve Cohen is set to meet with Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, in Southern California soon. Missing out on Soto, especially if he signs elsewhere, would be a significant blow for the Mets.
Step 2: Re-sign Key Players
While awaiting Soto’s decision, the Mets should prioritize re-signing Pete Alonso, Sean Manaea, and Luis Severino. The Mets have already extended qualifying offers to all three players, though Severino is the only one expected to accept it.
Alonso’s contract talks will be critical. Despite a down regular season (.240 with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs), Alonso’s clutch postseason performance, including his game-winning home run in the wild-card series, justifies a significant extension. Manaea, who posted a 3.09 ERA after making midseason adjustments, proved to be a valuable asset, while Severino, with a 3.91 ERA in 2024, could still be useful for a short-term deal. If Severino leaves, the Mets could consider re-signing Jose Quintana as a fallback option.
Step 3: Strengthen the Bullpen
The Mets’ bullpen was a major weakness last season, ranking 17th in ERA (4.03) and struggling in the postseason with a 5.56 ERA. Improving the bullpen should be a top priority for president of baseball operations David Stearns, who has a track record of constructing strong bullpens on a budget.
The Mets have already made some moves, including signing Dylan Covey and declining Phil Maton’s club option. They should aim to re-sign Brooks Raley, a left-handed pitcher who didn’t allow a run in seven innings before injury derailed his season, and keep Ryne Stanek after his solid October performance.
Additionally, the Mets could target free-agent relievers such as Tim Hill, Blake Treinen, and Tommy Kahnle, or explore trade options like San Francisco’s Camilo Doval. A bolder move could involve trading for Devin Williams, the Milwaukee Brewers’ elite closer, which would give the Mets a lethal bullpen duo alongside Edwin Diaz.
Step 4: Add Another Starting Pitcher
Even with Manaea and Severino (or Quintana) back in the fold, the Mets will need additional starting pitching depth. One of the most intriguing possibilities is Japanese ace Roki Sasaki, though the Dodgers are heavily favored to sign him if he’s posted. If the Mets miss out, there are still options available in the free-agent market.
Corbin Burnes, with a 2.92 ERA and 181 strikeouts in 2024, would be a top target but could be expensive due to his qualifying offer. Blake Snell, who finished the season strong with a 1.23 ERA over his final 14 starts, is another option. For a more affordable addition, veterans like Walker Buehler or Yusei Kikuchi could provide solid value, potentially replicating the impact of Manaea and Severino last season.
By focusing on these four key steps, the Mets can position themselves for a strong, impactful offseason and set themselves up for a successful 2025 season with an eye on the World Series.
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