No fan enjoys this reality, but it is clear that the Mets do not have World Series aspirations for their 2024 campaign. 2025 has a talented free agent class, particularly on the pitching front, which will be the Mets’ most significant need with Quintana and new one-year additions Luis Severino Adrian Houser expiring.
Zach Wheeler, barring an extension with Philadelphia, and Walker Buehler are among the talented pitchers available next winter. Any solid starting pitching will be a fit for the Mets when the time comes, but for 2024, their priority will be defense and using their starting pitching depth to gobble up innings on the mound.
This past week saw the Mets sign outfielder Harrison Bader to a one-year deal worth $10.5 million. Bader should play every day or close to it. Fans can expect a below-average yet sneaky bat to accompany some eye-popping outfield defense and range. With President of Baseball Operations David Stearns emphasis on run-prevention and being mildly competitive during a transitional year, Bader fits the bill.
Also, this week was a two-year signing of lefty starter Sean Manaea. In year one, Manaea figures as a back end rotation piece. In year two, at best, he fills that same role, but based on the organization’s plans, he is likely to fit more as a piece of depth. However, he has a player option, so Manaea will do his best to out-pitch his salary, making an opt-out scenario financially beneficial to the Mets and Manaea after this season.
Where do the Mets go from here? The lineup still has its holes, namely in the DH spot. This has not been a position of consistency at all for the Mets since its introduction to the National League. This offseason, it would be nice to see them ink Jorge Soler or Justin Turner to boost the offense. In the case of Soler, a 2-3 year deal is likely where he will end up lengthwise, while Turner would likely sign under a one-year framework.
Regardless of some pundit’s and fans’ criticisms of this offseason as “Wilponian,” the Mets’ backseat approach to this offseason will prove beneficial as the front office tries to build a sustainable winner.