MLB free agency has officially begun! After winning just 74 games in 2026, the New York Mets have a lot of work to do this offseason. What are their biggest needs? Who should they target? Let’s look at some major storylines as how they all relate to the Mets.
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1. Who Will Win the Race For Skubal?
Could I have really started with anything else? The sweepstakes for Tarik Skubal is set to dominate the headlines throughout the month of November. Given the uncertainty surrounding baseball, will Scott Boras advise his client to sign before the lockout? Early report suggest he will. If he wants to land Skubal the biggest contract possible, accelerating the process seems like a wise route to take. The question is, which teams can and/or are willing to offer enough years and average annual value to get his attention?
The Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers seems to be the obvious suitors. For the former, Steve Cohen has shown willingness to spend big on players, with the greatest example throughout his ownership period being Juan Soto. He made sure to be the highest bidder for him. Will he be willing to step in and do the same for Skubal? That may be required to get a deal done. David Stearns has made it clear over the years that he is not in favor of giving long-term deal to starting pitchers entering their 30s. But after missing the postseason in back to back seasons, could he adjust his strategy. There are so many layers to this impending bidding war. Let’s see who comes out on top.
2. How Will They Address First Base?
Replacing Pete Alonso was always going to be difficult. Year 1 without him went as poorly as possible. Jorge Polanco was brought in to fill the void at first, and he was only able to play in 37 games. How many games did he start at the position? A total of two. Constant pain throughout the season resulted in him having ankle surgery in August, with the hope that he would be ready for 2027 spring training. Can the Mets depend on Polanco to be a big contributor next season? Even if he is able to remain healthy, is he better served as a DH?
Polanco isn’t the only name to mention among the in-house candidates. Jared Young had a strong 2026 campaign, hitting .266 with a .759 OPS in 103 games. The former Chicago Cub got his first extended chance in the big leagues and ran with it. Credit to him. Is he ready to be a full-time starter for a team with hopes to return to the playoffs? Or, is he better suited as a part of a platoon? Adding another right-handed bat who can split time between first base and DH would be ideal.
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3. Could a High-End Starter Be Acquired Via Trade?
Circling back to No. 1, where Skubal lands could impact this storyline. But, is there a scenario in which the Mets add the best free agent and trade for another quality starter? Something to keep an eye on. Of course, if Skubal chooses to sign elsewhere, this possibility appear to be the best way to add a frontend starter. Which names could be available on the trade market this offseason?
Drew Rasmussen and Joe Ryan are pitchers who could be on the move. Rasmussen was fantastic for the Tampa Bay Rays throughout their run to the World Series, pitching to a 2.20 ERA across five postseason starts. Performed like an ace. Earlier this week, the Rays picked up his $20 million club option for 2027. That amount of money for an All-Star caliber pitcher seems fair, but Tampa Bay operates differently. Moving him for a strong return could be on the cards.
As for Ryan, the connection between the Mets and the Minnesota Twins is quite strong. New York recently brought in Derek Falvey, the former president of baseball operations in Minnesota. Mets pitching coaching Justin Willard also has ties to the Twins, working for them from 2018 till 2023. Could that help them in any potential trade discussions for Ryan? Let’s see. But with Ryan set to become a free agent after the 2027 season, he could be dealt. The right-hander made the All-Star team for a second consecutive season, pitching to a 3.79 ERA across 27 starts last season.
The Mariners also seem open to trading at least one of their young starters. Reid Detmers could be had. We will see!
4. Will One of the Top Prospects Be the Solution at Second Base?
What an interesting storyline. The emergence of Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing has fans hoping another young player or two could become an impact player in 2027. A potential opening at second base opens the possibility for a few names to break out. Jefferson Rojas is at the top of the list, who they got in the return for Clay Holmes and Tyrone Taylor from the Cubs at the trade deadline. Over 126 games between Double-A and Triple-A, he slashed .274/.338/.505 with 27 home runs, 93 runs batted in and 21 stolen bases. If Rojas can flourish in spring training, running away with job at second base is there for him.
Besides Rojas, Mitch Voit and Émilien Pitre, who they got in return for Freddy Peralta from the Rays, could be contributors as soon as next season. But most, if not all of the attention will be on Rojas. Marcus Semien is still a Met and under contract for another two seasons. But after an underwhelming 2026, expecting him to be the starting second baseman should not be the case. Certainly if the Mets are looking for ways to get more impact bats in their lineup.
5. How Will the Mets Reshape the Backend of Their Bullpen?
This isn’t as noteworthy as the first four, but that doesn’t make it any less important. After moving two relievers with an additional year of control at the deadline, Huascar Brazobán and Luke Weaver, reshaping their bullpen will be another key objective for the Mets. Devin Williams will be hoping to bounce back after pitching to a 4.43 ERA in his first season with the team. Will he be the nailed on closer? Could the team bring another big name in to split time with Williams in that role? Under the radar storyline as free agency begins.
