Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

MLB.com has released their second offseason power rankings, this time following the major signings of free agency.

Their first one immediately followed the championship parade for the World Series-winning Astros. This one was released right after the ball dropped on the New Year.

The Mets have improved their standing after free agency.

2. Mets (101-61)
This ranking is somewhat based on the assumption that eventually Carlos Correa will come to an agreement with the Mets, but as we’ve watched this play out, there’s really no way of knowing where the shortstop (or is he a third baseman?) will land. Let’s just say the Mets are our No. 2 pick based on a few seemingly strong free-agent signings and the fact that they were just really good in ’22, despite how sourly the season ended. But be warned: Things can unravel for an older team, and the Mets are going to employ a starting rotation with a lot of miles on some of their arms.

They ranked as the No. 5 team in baseball before.

5) Mets
Postseason result: Lost NL Wild Card Series

The Mets were one of the hardest teams to rank for our voters, who slotted them in anywhere from No. 4 to No. 9. Though New York already brought back All-Star closer Edwin Díaz (who reportedly agreed to a five-year, $102 million contract), the Mets have significant work to do this offseason. Not only are three of their starting pitchers — including ace Jacob deGrom — hitting free agency, but so is New York’s leadoff hitter (Brandon Nimmo) and its top two setup men for Díaz (Adam Ottavino and Seth Lugo). Depending on how free agency plays out, the Mets could move up — or down — significantly in the Opening Day Power Rankings.

The only team MLB.com is ranking ahead of the Mets prior to Spring Training is the Astros. The dynasy that’s emerged out of the west deserves the benefit of the doubt heading into the 2023 season.

Following the Astros and Mets are the Braves, Padres, and Yankees. The Mets offseason moves propelled them above the Braves, Padres, and the Dodgers who fell to seventh on the list.