Jim Bowden of the Athletic recently released his list of the top 35 Free Agents this offseason. Bowden ranked the players, and provided the projected contract, along with comparable deals and the teams that he thinks could be best fits for each player.
Among the top free agents, Bowden sees the Mets as a fit for ten of them. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that more than half of the players Bowden noted as potential fits are relief pitchers.
New GM Brodie Van Wagenen clearly needs to revamp the Mets bullpen this offseason. With no clear closer on the roster, the Mets could look to spend big and go after top closer Craig Kimbrel who is projected to sign a 4 year, $68 million deal.
However, if they miss out on Kimbrel, there is a ton of quality pitching in the “second-tier” of relievers. Bowden feels that the Mets should be in on guys like Jeurys Familia, Adam Ottavino, Zach Britton, David Robertson, and Joe Kelly, all of whom are projected to sign deals around $10 million over two years.
Offensively, prized free agent shortstop Manny Machado is viewed as a match for the Mets, According to Bowden, Machado is the second ranked free agent this offseason, only behind Bryce Harper.
The 26-year old is projected to receive a deal similar to that of Giancarlo Stanton, and in the range of ten years and $310 Million. This may seem like a haul, but as Bowden says “you can’t question his talent, abilities, and potential.”
Like many others, Bowden also views Queens as a potential landing spot for centerfielder A.J. Pollock. Pollock’s biggest issue his whole career has been staying on the field. However, when healthy he produces MVP-type numbers. With Van Wagenen preaching that he wants to get better up the middle defensively, this is a deal that would make sense for the Mets.
Lastly and most obviously, with a glaring need behind the plate, Bowden also lists the Mets has a fit for both the top catching options, Yasmani Grandal and Wilson Ramos.
Grandal is projected to land a four year deal worth $17 million, and Ramos will be a little cheaper on a two year deal worth $11 million. If the Mets have the opportunity to land Ramos on a deal of that value, I would pull the trigger in a heartbeat.
If Van Wagenen and the Wilpons want to send a message to Mets fans and the rest of the league, they are going to need to spend money on some of these top free agents this offseason.
