The Mets have already made the biggest blockbuster of the season, however, Steve Cohen’s deep pockets and desire to win could have them in line for a few more.
As currently constructed, the Mets still aren’t the favorite to dethrone the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The team still lacks an ace, could use help in the bullpen, and while the lineup is improved with Soto, he’s essentially an Alonso replacement which leaves another hole open.
To get where Cohen wants to go in 2025 and beyond, the Mets will have to lay it all on the line. They have to think big. And because of that, these three blockbuster moves to build a super team may be on the horizon.
The New York Mets have bolstered their bullpen by signing left-handed reliever Tanner Scott to a four-year contract worth between $56 million and $60 million. The deal, finalized on December 13, is seen as a significant move to improve the Mets’ pitching depth heading into the 2024 season.
Scott, 29, has proven himself as a reliable closer with the Miami Marlins, posting a career-high 29 saves in 2023 and striking out over 100 batters for two consecutive seasons. His fastball, which consistently reaches the upper 90s, alongside his devastating slider, has made him a formidable force against left-handed hitters.
The Mets’ front office is hopeful that Scott’s dominance can further solidify the back end of their bullpen, which has been a key area of focus in their offseason strategy. With the addition of Scott, the Mets are aiming for a deeper, more reliable pitching staff as they push for a postseason spot in 2024.
1) The NY Mets sign Corbin Burnes to lead the rotation
The Mets entered the offseason needing to replace at least three-fifths of their starting rotation. So far the answers have been signing a guy in Frankie Montas who posted an ERA near five while coming off a major shoulder injury, and signing a career reliever in Clay Holmes who needs to evolve to become a competent starter.
Even if you believe in those two guys having success in the Mets rotation, they’re still without a true ace. Meanwhile, the Dodgers added to their embarrassment of riches in the rotation signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell earlier this offseason.
The starting pitching market has gotten wild. Luis Severino signed for more than expected with the Athletics. Nathan Eovaldi got more than many thought in his return to Texas. The Yankees panic-bought Max Fried, the other true ace on the free-agent market, to the tune of eight years and $218 million. On the trade market, the Red Sox gave up a king’s ransom for Garrett Crochet.
Yet, despite all this movement and dollars being thrown about, the best starter on the market, Corbin Burnes, remains available. Burnes is in a tier well above the likes of Severino and Eovaldi. He offers much more certainty and durability than Snell and Crochet who have combined for just three total seasons of over 140 innings pitched in their careers.
Burnes paired with Kodai Senga at the top of the rotation would give the Mets a one-two punch that could match up with anyone. He’d be the second top prize the Mets could come away with this free agency period.
While some have indicated that the Mets aren’t in on Burnes, every day that passes and every alternative that comes off the board makes a match seem more and more likely. The Mets have the cash, the need, and the desire to win, so this is a move that needs to happen.
2) The NY Mets should reunite with slugger Pete Alonso
As much as Juan Soto improves the Mets lineup, as currently constructed, his bat is essentially replacing another prodigious slugger in Pete Alonso. However, the question remains as to who provides protection to Soto in the lineup.
Sure, Mark Vientos, 25, is a budding star, and his 27 home runs and 133 wRC+ last season should give fans a lot to be excited over. With that said, there’s still a hole in the lineup and at first base, that needs to be filled. If the Mets want to topple the Dodgers, they’ll need to run out a lineup that can counteract their elite pitching staff. Soto alone isn’t enough to achieve that goal.
Entering the offseason, Pete Alonso was the best available hitter not named Juan Soto on the market, regardless of position. Over the last six seasons, only Aaron Judge has crushed more long balls than Alonso’s 226. No one has driven in more runs than Alonso’s 586 over that same time period. Imagine what he could do with an on-base wizard like Soto batting in front of him.
Stearns has spoken directly about how fond the organization is of Alonso. Carlos Mendoza has echoed those sentiments. It’s common knowledge that Cohen has the resources to make anything the team deems a necessity happen. Given all of that, the Mets should take action and make sure that Alonso retires a Met. If it takes a blockbuster offer, so be it. The potential of a lineup featuring Soto and Alonso along with Lindor is just too good to pass up.
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