The New York Mets had an unexpected journey in 2024, turning heads despite being the team with the highest payroll. They bounced back from a disappointing 75-87 record in 2023 to finish 89-73 in 2024, even leading MLB with a stellar 65-38 after June. Their playoff run ended at the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who went on to win the World Series.
“We enjoyed this run,” said David Stearns after their playoff exit. “Our fans enjoyed it too. We have great memories, but now it’s time to look ahead and build sustainable success for our team.” With Steve Cohen’s ambition, Stearns’ smart strategies, and Carlos Mendoza’s steady leadership all aligned, the future looks promising for the Mets.
For once, everything seems to be falling into place for them. The Mets are gearing up for what they hope will be a long streak of winning seasons.
Key Free Agents:
As they head into the offseason, several players are now free agents: Pete Alonso (1B), Sean Manaea (SP), Jose Quintana (SP), Luis Severino (SP), J.D. Martinez (DH), Harrison Bader (OF), Jesse Winker (OF), Phil Maton (RP), and Ryne Stanek (RP). In total, fourteen players have become free agents this season.
Interestingly enough, more than $65 million was paid last season to players like James McCann ($9.5 million), Max Scherzer ($30.8 million), and Justin Verlander ($25 million) just so they could play elsewhere! Fans might think it’s wild how much money teams spend sometimes.
The Mets now find themselves with about $180 million freed up from their previous $356.2 million payroll due to these departures and other financial adjustments.
Biggest Needs:
First on their list is bolstering their pitching rotation since Severino, Manaea, and Quintana were key innings-eaters last year but are currently free agents. Manaea opted out of his contract looking for a longer deal while both he and Severino received qualifying offers from New York.
Their current rotation lineup includes Kodai Senga—who barely pitched due to injuries—David Peterson; Paul Blackburn—recovering from back surgery; Tylor Megill; Christian Scott—out with Tommy John surgery; José Buttó? Re-signing Manaea or getting Severino back could help stabilize things again.
Beyond pitching woes lies another challenge: deciding what happens at first base with Alonso possibly leaving as well as needing an upgrade in center field where Tyrone Taylor isn’t quite fitting as an everyday player yet figuring out how top prospect Luisangel Acuña fits into all this!
And let’s not forget relief pitching…Maton & Stanek were solid down-the-stretch relievers but now they’re gone too leaving even bigger gaps behind them which means finding new bullpen arms becomes crucial again!
Possible Fits:
With plenty of cash available plus being ready-to-win right away mode-wise expect aggressive moves starting by chasing Juan Soto—the dream hitter combining power contact discipline unmatched since Ted Williams days perhaps?
Then there’s Corbin Burnes—a familiar face drafted by Stearns himself once upon time during Milwaukee Brewers era—is another potential target given financial flexibility allowing splurging both Soto AND high-priced starters like him or maybe Max Fried stealing him away hurting division rival Atlanta Braves simultaneously?
Luis Robert Jr., despite recent struggles still boasts impressive skills especially defensively making him intriguing option if acquired via trade involving someone like Brett Baty perhaps enticing Chicago White Sox enough?
Lastly consider Alex Bregman potentially filling third-base void should Alonso depart shifting Mark Vientos over upgrading defense significantly while adding proven postseason performer offensively known well across league already!
And don’t overlook Clay Holmes either—a reliable ground-ball specialist who knows manager Mendoza well from Yankees days providing late-inning support alongside Edwin DÃaz closing games effectively together…
What do you think about these possible changes?
