The New York Mets have plenty of motivation to be aggressive in free agency, but a quick glance at next year’s market adds even more urgency to make bold moves now.
Team owner Steve Cohen has emphasized that while the Mets won’t recklessly spend, they can afford to push their budget like a subscriber splurging on ad-free streaming services. With the 2025 free agent class appearing underwhelming, there’s every reason to go the extra mile this offseason.
The Limited Pool of Quality Free Agent Hitters Next Winter
Next year’s free agent crop doesn’t present a wealth of options for the Mets, particularly among position players. First base might be the exception, with some intriguing potential names possibly hitting the market on one-year deals or through opt-outs. But waiting a year to sign those players would be risky. It’s uncertain if Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will even reach free agency, and while Luis Arraez is a solid player, his fit with the Mets remains questionable. Options like Josh Naylor, LaMonte Wade Jr., and long-time rival Rhys Hoskins could be available but aren’t necessarily game-changers.
It’s hard to predict the Mets’ exact roster needs a year from now. However, the outfield pool for 2025 isn’t particularly deep either. After standout Kyle Tucker, names like Lane Thomas and Cedric Mullins, who had a mixed season last year, become prominent. There’s also the uncertainty surrounding Luis Robert Jr.’s $20 million club option and whether Kyle Schwarber, who would be 33, can maintain his power-hitting prowess.
A Thin Starting Pitching Market
The market for starting pitchers isn’t much stronger. Potential free agents like Dylan Cease, Zac Gallen, Michael King, Freddy Peralta, Ranger Suarez, Jose Urquidy, and Framber Valdez have all shown flashes of excellence but have also had inconsistent performances. While there may be a few additional one-year contract pitchers joining this group, banking on next year’s pitching market to fortify the rotation would be risky.
Considering Prospects and Expiring Contracts
The Mets also need to start assessing which of their prospects, particularly position players, will be ready by next season. While it’s difficult to pinpoint now, it’s a crucial factor in planning future spending. Notably, after the 2025 season, only Starling Marte’s contract and Paul Blackburn’s final arbitration year are set to come off the books.
Last year’s offseason focused on taking calculated risks and filling temporary gaps while waiting for the financial burden of past contracts to clear. Next winter might be a time for subtle finishing touches, but this offseason is an opportunity for the Mets to take bigger, more confident swings in the market.
Now is the moment for the Mets to step beyond their comfort zone and seize the chance to strengthen their roster with significant investments.
Leave a Reply