The MLB offseason is officially here, and there are many big names available through free agency and trades.
The New York Mets are expected to be one of the most interesting teams to watch this offseason. Here’s a four-step plan for them to make the most of it:
After falling 11 games under .500 in late May, the Mets made an incredible comeback that led them to the National League Championship Series. With more than $180 million coming off their payroll, owner Steve Cohen has the money and motivation to make bold moves as the team aims to win the World Series.
Key Free Agents: 1B Pete Alonso, LHPs Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana, and Brooks Raley, RHPs Luis Severino and Ryne Stanek, infielder Jose Iglesias, and outfielder Jesse Winker.
Step 1: Sign Outfielder Juan Soto
To take the next step toward being a serious World Series contender, the Mets’ top priority should be signing Juan Soto. The 26-year-old had an outstanding season with the Yankees, hitting .288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs.
According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets were among the first teams to contact Soto once he became a free agent. Cohen is expected to meet with Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, in Southern California next week.
Soto, who is a World Series champion and four-time All-Star, is looking for the richest contract in MLB history, which works in the Mets’ favor.
If Soto prioritizes money over staying with the Yankees, the Mets have the financial resources to outbid anyone else. If the Mets miss out on Soto and he signs with a team other than the Yankees, it would be a major failure for the franchise this offseason.
Step 2: Re-sign Alonso, Manaea, and Severino
While waiting on the Soto decision, the Mets should focus on re-signing Pete Alonso, Sean Manaea, and Luis Severino. The Mets have already extended a qualifying offer to each player, although Severino is the only one likely to accept it.
Alonso’s contract talks will be interesting, as he could demand around $200 million. Despite struggling during the regular season, hitting .240 with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs, Alonso’s postseason performance—especially his game-winning home run in the wild-card series—justifies a new deal with the Mets.
Manaea was a surprise standout after adjusting his pitching mechanics midseason, posting a 3.09 ERA after July 30. The Mets need to keep him on the team. Severino, with a 3.91 ERA in 2024, may not be as essential, but he’s still worth considering for a short-term deal. If he signs elsewhere, the Mets could look to sign Jose Quintana as an alternative.
Step 3: Strengthen the Bullpen Through Free Agency and Trades
The Mets’ biggest weakness last season was their bullpen, which ranked 17th in ERA (4.03) and struggled in the postseason with a 5.56 ERA.
Fortunately, president of baseball operations David Stearns has a history of building strong bullpens on a budget. The Mets have already signed a few under-the-radar pitchers like Dylan Covey and declined Phil Maton’s club option.
The Mets should consider re-signing Brooks Raley, a left-handed pitcher who didn’t allow a run in seven innings before suffering a season-ending injury. Keeping Ryne Stanek would also be a smart move after his solid performance in October.
To further strengthen the bullpen, the Mets could target free agents like left-hander Tim Hill or right-handers Blake Treinen and Tommy Kahnle. They could also explore trade options like San Francisco’s Camilo Doval.
If the Mets are willing to make a bigger move, they could trade for Devin Williams, the standout closer for the Milwaukee Brewers. According to The Athletic, there’s growing speculation that Milwaukee may trade Williams this offseason.
Adding Williams to the bullpen alongside Edwin Diaz would give the Mets one of the strongest relief duos in baseball.
Step 4: Add Another Starting Pitcher, If the Price Is Right
Even if the Mets re-sign Manaea and Severino (or Quintana), they will still need another starting pitcher.
One of the most exciting options could be Japanese ace Roki Sasaki, though the Dodgers are heavily favored to land him, according to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel. If Sasaki is posted, the Mets may not be able to get him.
However, there are still some top-tier starting pitchers available. Right-hander Corbin Burnes and lefty Blake Snell would be excellent additions. Burnes had a 2.92 ERA and 181 strikeouts in 2024, but he would come at a higher cost due to his qualifying offer. Snell, on the other hand, ended the season strong, going 5-0 with a 1.23 ERA in his final 14 starts.
If the Mets opt for a more affordable option, veterans like right-hander Walker Buehler or left-hander Yusei Kikuchi could be solid choices. These pitchers could have a similar impact to Manaea and Severino, who both exceeded expectations last season.
