Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Nolan McLean and Kodai Senga seem like the penciled-in rotation right now, with Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong and Christian Scott waiting in the wings. Tylor Megill will miss all of 2026 after undergoing Tommy John surgery at the end of the 2025 season.

The top-tier free agent starter market remains wide open as of writing. LHP Framber Valdez, LHP Ranger Suárez, RHP Zac Gallen and RHP Tatsuya Imai all remain available, with Imai’s signing window coming to a close on January 2 at 5 p.m. ET. Imai stated recently that he “has not received an MLB offer.”

With David Stearns not keen on spending big on a long-term free agent pitcher (not to say he won’t), here are three possible fits to bolster the Mets’ rotation in 2026.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Zach Littell, RHP

Had Zack Littell been a Met in 2025, he would have led the rotation in innings pitched (186.2), games started (32), WHIP (1.104) and fewest walks allowed (32). Not to mention, he would have led the team in the number of times Littell made it into the sixth inning or later (20). He allowed the second-most home runs (36) in 2025, but he was pitching in two of the most hitter-friendly parks (Great American Ball Park and the Rays’ temporary home at Steinbrenner Field). Had he pitched every game at Citi Field, he would have allowed 31 home runs.

His walk rate is what stands out the most, and for a rotation that handed the most walks in the NL (324), Littell would help curb that. He pitches to contact, but also can generate a high chase rate (30.8%) with his split-finger, his best pitch. Walks killed the Mets in 2025, and adding a pitcher who can limit the free pass is vital. Read MMO’s full coverage on Littell here.

Tyler Mahle, RHP

Not the sexiest name on any list, but Mahle quietly had a productive year when healthy. He posted a 2.18 ERA in 16 starts, the most he made since 2022. In those 86.2 innings, Mahle struck out 66 and walked 29. Like Littell, he pitches to contact and isn’t a big strikeout guy, but gets the out when needed. His walk rate is below average (8.4%), and staying healthy has been troublesome over the past few years. Since 2023, he’s started in just 24 games, dealing with Tommy John surgery and right shoulder fatigue.

It would be a risky play for the Mets, but another low-risk, high-reward opportunity the Mets like to cash in on.

Zac Gallen, RHP

It’s unlikely David Stearns goes big on a free agent pitcher. However, of all the top-tier starters on the market, Gallen fits into Stearns’ plans the most. Gallen suffered a career-worst 2025, posting highs in ERA (4.83), ER (103), walks (66) and home runs allowed (31). He owns a 3.58 career ERA and made late-season adjustments in 2025 to return to career marks. Post All-Star break, Gallen worked to a 3.97 ERA in 13 starts, striking out 65 and allowing just 21 walks.

The Mets could theoretically buy low on Gallen, who declined the qualifying offer, in hopes of giving him a “prove me” deal, which the 30-year-old can turn into a more lucrative contract in 2027. Read MMO’s free agent profile of Gallen here.

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Position: SS/2B B/T: R/R
Player Data: Age: 30 (10/17/1995)
2025 Traditional Stats: 191 PA, .234/.304/.345/.649, 40 H, 5 HR, 17 RBI
2025 Advanced Stats: 82 wRC+, 20.4% K%, 8.4% BB%, .271 BABIP, .301 xwOBA, 0.3 fWAR, 0 DRS (2B), -3 DRS (SS), 0 OAA (2B), -3 OAA (SS)

RUNDOWN

Ha-seong Kim‘s 2025 season was injury-riddled. The 30-year-old utility infielder missed significant time recovering from 2024 shoulder surgery. Throughout the season, a recurring back issue likely limited his mobility. Additionally, he struggled with hamstring issues and a foot injury from a foul ball during his June rehab assignment.

The impact of the injury was evident across the board. Kim’s OPS dropped to .649 in 2025, and the typically elite defender posted defensive marks well below expectations (four OAA in 2024, nine OAA in 2023). Additionally, sample size volatility also contributed to the poor defensive metrics. When healthy, Kim is a Gold Glove-caliber shortstop and second baseman.

Despite the health challenges, positive indicators emerged. For instance, Kim’s average exit velocity improved from 87.9 mph to 89.7 mph, and he hit his hardest ball since 2023 at 108.5 mph. He also continued to show elite contact rates. Specifically, his 88.9% zone contact, 15.5% whiff rate and 21.2% chase rate remained strong. Nevertheless, he did see a jump in strikeout percentage (16.4% to 20.4%) and a drop in walk percentage (12.3% to 8.4%). Again, sample size can explain those changes.

Looking ahead, if healthy in 2026, expect him to bounce back and return to being an elite infield defender who hovers around league average offensively. There may also be more to tap into with the bat, as his improved exit velocities and improved pull fly ball rate (22.4%) suggest offensive upside.

CONTRACT

Kim enters free agency after earning $13 million in 2025, and he turned down a $16 million player option for 2026. Currently, MLB Trade Rumors predicts a two-year, $30 million contract. He may look for an everyday shortstop role, and he may look to re-enter free agency after the 2026 season to capitalize on a potentially strong year. That said, the option of him taking a one-year deal remains strong.

RECOMMENDATION: WORTH CHECKING IN

The Mets should check in on Ha-seong Kim as a potential buy-low candidate. President of baseball operations David Stearns noted run prevention as a driving factor in the Mets’ offseason plans. Kim’s defense would partner well with Francisco Lindor in the middle infield. Kim has the advantage of being a right-handed bat, something the Mets are short on. He can platoon with Brett Baty and/or Jeff McNeil at second when needed.

From an offensive perspective, his 2022-2024 numbers before surgery were solid. During that stretch, his 106 WRC+ placed 14th among 33 qualified shortstops. Similarly, he ranked 12th among 30 qualified second basemen. Meanwhile, he had the 11th-best fWAR among shortstops and sixth among second basemen with a 10.5 fWAR. Over that period, he slashed .250/.336/.385 with 39 home runs and 72 stolen bases in 423 games.

Ha-seong Kim is a bounce-back candidate. On defense, he should provide elite middle-infield coverage. Offensively, he offers a league-average bat that can hit around 15 homers and around 15-20 bases. Kim represents excellent value for a team prioritizing run prevention.

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The Mets announced that they signed infielders Jose Rojas and Jackson Cluff to minor league deals with invites to spring training. Rojas has 83 games of major league experience with the Angels, owning a .584 OPS. Cluff spent 2025 with the Nationals’ Triple-A squad, recording a .771 OPS.

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Latest Mets News

The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal argues the “perfect storm” is brewing for the Mets to lose Edwin Díaz in free agency.

Latest MLB News

Tigers top prospect Kevin McGonigle won MVP of the Arizona Fall League after finishing with a 1.210 OPS in 19 games.

Per Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY, the Pirates are expected to add about $30 million to their payroll this offseason.

The Cubs are reportedly interested in free agent starter Michael King. King was 5-3 with a 3.44 ERA in 15 starts for the Padres in 2025.

Latest on MMO

Rafael González profiles reliever Devin Williams as a potential free agent target for the Mets.

Andrew Steele-Davis argues that the Mets must bring back Edwin Díaz.

Gabe Herz lists five free agents the Mets should target.

On This Date in Mets History

Born On This Date: Yennsy Díaz (1996), Randy Niemann (1955), Gus Bell (1928).

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While the postseason is in full swing, the offseason and 2026 season are front and center for Mets fans. One of the team’s main questions is how they can improve, especially with the current free agent market class.

Below are the best options available on the market (including players who have opt-outs and options) who could help improve the Mets’ lineup. Positions are sorted into three categories: biggest need, think about it (possible upgrade) and no change (don’t expect any change).

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Biggest Needs

Center Field

Without a doubt, center field was one of the biggest faux pas in 2025. The Mets acquired Jose Siri, hoping he could replicate Harrison Bader‘s role from 2024, but with an added dose of defense. However, Siri suffered a fractured tibia in just the second week of the season and returned in the final weeks, only to be designated for assignment. Tyrone Taylor, Jeff McNeil and Cedric Mullins eventually split time in the position, posting outs above average (OAA) of four (Taylor), three (Mullins) and negative one (McNeil).

The Mets’ center field platoon ranked 20th in OAA (four) in 2025. The Cubs had the best OAA (23) and the Guardians had the worst (negative seven).

Free Agent Upgrades: Luis Robert Jr. (seven OAA in 2025, 12th best in MLB). Robert remains the only center fielder with an OAA greater than a 2025 Met who may hit the FA market. The White Sox hold a $20 million club option on him for 2026. Free agent Harrison Bader posted a (three OAA). Trent Grisham had an offensive resurgence with the Yankees in 2025 but only posted a negative one OAA. 

First Base

One of the biggest questions this offseason for the Mets is first base. Reports emerged Saturday that Pete Alonso is looking for a seven-year deal. If Alonso were to leave the Mets, there is no clear heir to the Polar Bear’s throne. Mark Vientos (if not moved) would be the next man up internally, with Ryan Clifford waiting in the shadows. Alonso put up a negative nine OAA in 2025, second-worst in MLB (a career-worst for Pete) behind the Rockies’ Michael Toglia (-10 OAA).

Free Agent Upgrades: After Alonso, it’s slim pickings. Josh Naylor (two OAA) is the second-best first baseman free agent bat, but Ryan O’Hearn (six OAA) will be the best first baseman defensive upgrade on the market.

Cody Bellinger, Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Think About It

Right Field

Look, there’s no denying that Juan Soto is one of the greatest baseball players of our time. However, he ranked dead last in OAA for a right fielder, along with Nick Castellanos in 2025 (-12). While his arm is above average, he posted his second-worst defensive year since 2022 (-15 OAA). At 26, there’s little doubt the Mets will move him right now to a full-time DH role, but if the team is serious about improving defensively, Soto might see more time in the designated hitter role in 2026.

Free Agent Upgrades: Cody Bellinger (three OAA) is an interesting case. He holds a player option for 2026, which he’ll likely decline to explore a new multi-year contract in a light free agent market. He’s played in big markets, including the Bronx, and can play a handful of positions. More importantly, he can play all three outfield positions, which aligns with Stearns’ defensive versatility. Kyle Tucker, of course, joins the conversation as well, although he posted a negative two OAA in 2025. He’s hit or miss in the field and had an up-and-down 2025 in Chicago.

Third Base

The third base picture is a bit clearer entering the 2026 season. Brett Baty primarily took the helm at the position, posting his best offense season in the big leagues and a positive two OAA at third. Ronny Mauricio, in his limited appearance at third, posted a five OAA and Mark Vientos posted a negative seven. Baty is the clear favorite right now (so it seems) to take the helm, but the Mets may want to make a splash in the free agent market and do some defensive shuffling in the field.

Free Agent Upgrades: Alex Bregman will likely opt out of his contract with the Red Sox. He posted a three OAA at the hot corner and would offer both a defensive and offensive upgrade in the lineup for the Mets. Eugenio Suarez will hit the market, but posted a negative three OAA. Of course, NPB’s Munetaka Murakami will likely be posted and is an intriguing name for the Mets to be in on.

Second Base

Like third base, the Mets have options here. They could move on from Jeff McNeil (four OAA) via trade with Baty’s ability to play second. The team also has Luisangel Acuña (one OAA). If the Mets are committing to their defensive shakeup, a change might be on the horizon here as well.

Free Agent Upgrades: Unfortunately, there is no clear upgrade at second over McNeil. Jorge Polanco (negative four OAA) and Luis Arraez (who has worked as a first baseman the past few seasons) are the standout free agents.

Ha-Seong Kim, Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

No Change

Shortstop

It seems foolish to even shortstop in this. While Francisco Lindor posted a career low in OAA (five) in 2025, he’s one year removed from a Gold Glove nomination. Lindor isn’t going anywhere besides shortstop for the foreseeable future.

Free Agent Upgrades: J.P. Crawford (-12 OAA) won’t be on the Mets’ radar. However, Ha-seong Kim (negative three OAA) will be three years removed from a Gold Glove season as a utility player holds a player opt-out. 2025 was a lost year for the infielder, splitting time with the Rays and Braves, but he can emerge as an intriguing utility player upgrade for the Mets. He posted a four OAA at shortstop in 2024 and a combined nine OAA at shortstop, second base and third base in 2023.

Left Field

Like Lindor, Brandon Nimmo isn’t going anywhere. He posted a net-zero OAA in 2025, and while his defensive ability may be declining with age, he’s showing no signs of slowing down in left field for 2026.

Free Agent Upgrades: To continue with the game, Cody Bellinger (five OAA) and Austin Hays (one OAA, mutual option for 2026) would be the next-best defensive upgrades.

Catcher

Like Nimmo, Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens look to continue to be the one-two behind the plate for the Mets. Alvarez posted a -11 blocks above average, one caught stealing above average and a negative five framing grade in 2025. Torrens, meanwhile, posted a negative one blocks above average, 12 caught stealing above average (best in MLB), and a four framing grade. Alvarez suffered injury after injury and was sent down to Triple-A to work on his fielding mechanics, which improved upon his return.

Free Agent Upgrades: The best catcher on the FA market, without a doubt, is J.T. Realmuto. While he’s 34, he still ranks in the above-average percentiles in all catching categories, although his blocks above average have seen a decline in the past couple of years.

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Per Jeff Passan of ESPN, Los Angeles traded infielder Gavin Lux on Monday to Cincinnati for a Competitive Balance Round A pick (projected by ESPN to be in the top 40) and outfield prospect Mike Sirota.

Following the signing of Hyeseong Kim, a free agent from the KBO, to a three-year contract last Friday, Lux, 27, who slashed .251/.320/.383/.703 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs in 2024, became expendable to the Dodgers. Kim will ostensibly replace Lux as the Los Angeles starting second baseman for the 2025 season.

After trading their previous starting second baseman, Jonathan India, to Kansas City on November 22, the Reds desired a replacement under team control. Lux will not be a free agent until after the 2026 season.

Sirota was Cincinnati’s 14th-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline. He was originally drafted by the Dodgers in 2021 but elected to play collegiately at Northeastern University. He was selected in the third round (87th overall) by the Reds in the 2024 draft. 

The Dodgers, arguably the Mets’ chief challenger for the National League pennant heading into the 2025 season, finally acquire a prospect they have long been interested in while simultaneously creating playing time for their latest international free agent. 

In other baseball news, Jeff Passan also reports RHP Michael Lorenzen will return to the Kansas City Royals on a one-year, $7 million contract. The deal has a second-year mutual option worth $12 million.

Lorenzen, 33, was 2-0 with a 1.57 ERA in seven games (six starts) after being acquired from Texas on July 29.

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Let’s take a look at the top players remaining at each position.

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Position Players

• Catcher: Yasmani Grandal – A position headlined by Kyle Higashioka this offseason, Grandal split time behind the plate in Pittsburgh, posting his best bWAR (0.6) since 2021. Former Met James McCann remains on the board.
• 1B: Pete Alonso – The Polar Bear had a down year in 2024 but still produced 34 home runs and played all 162 games. All roads point to a reunion with the Mets. Justin Turner, Donovan Solano and Anthony Rizzo fill out the first base depth.
• 2B: Whit Merrifield – A thin class this offseason; Merrifield isn’t the player he once was but still adds a reliable bench bat to a lineup. Nicky Lopez and Brendan Rodgers are options.
• 3B: Alex Bregman – The best remaining free agent, Bregman owns a career 39.6 bWAR (20th among active players). Jon Berti and Yoán Moncada are backup options for teams.
• SS: Ha-Seong Kim – The Gold Glove winner missed a chunk of 2024 with injury but is a menace when healthy and can play multiple infield positions. Paul DeJong and former Met Amed Rosario are the better options after Kim.
• OF: Anthony Santander – The former Oriole is the best switch-hitter on the market. He hit a career-high 44 homers in 2024, posted career-bests in RBIs and walks, and received MVP votes.
• OF: Jurickson Profar – Profar enjoyed his best season in 2024, becoming an All-Star for the first time after posting a career-high 3.6 bWAR and 134 OPS+.
• OF: Alex Verdugo – Verdugo struggled in his only season in the Bronx but looks to rebound with a new team. From 2021-2023, the lefty hit 30+ doubles every season. Randal Grichuk, Harrison Bader and Mark Canha remain the best options on the market after these three.
• UTL: Candelita AKA Jose Iglesias – It was not a dream. Iglesias posted a career-best 3.1 bWAR with the Mets in 2024 and ranked in the 77th percentile in outs about average (OAA) with a two OAA.
• DH: J.D. Martinez – The veteran had a down year in Queens, but his wisdom and presence proved more valuable than his bat at times. Any team will be so lucky to add Martinez.

Starting Pitching

It’s 50/50 if the Mets add another pitcher after signing Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, Clay Holmes and Griffin Canning this offseason. They would benefit from one more, and you can never have enough pitching. Here are the best-remaining starters on the market.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

• RHP Jack Flaherty – Flaherty split his time in ’24 with the Tigers and Dodgers, pitching to a 3.17 ERA, 3.47 FIP and 127 ERA+. He struck out 194 batters and only allowed 38 walks.
• RHP Rōki Sasaki – One of the most coveted free agents this offseason, Sasaki also comes at a bargain because of his age. In the NPB, he’s 29-15 with a 2.10 ERA and 505 strikeouts since his debut in 2021.
• RHP Nick Pivetta – He quietly enjoyed steady success with Boston over the past few years. In his five years with the team, he went 37-41 with a 4.29 ERA. He appeared in 131 games and started 107 of them.

Other notable starters available include RHP Max Scherzer, RHP Justin Verlander, LHP Clayton Kershaw, LHP Jose Quintana, RHP Lance Lynn, RHP Kyle Gibson, RHP Michael Lorenzen and LHP Andrew Heaney.

Relievers

No market has felt the effects of a slow offseason more than the reliever market. The Mets desperately need to bolster their bullpen. Here are some top options who remain on the board:

Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

• LHP Tanner Scott – Scott headlines the reliever class after posting a 1.75 ERA between Miami and San Diego in 2024.
• RHP Jeff Hoffman – Hoffman thrived in Philly the past two years after switching to a reliever full-time and was named to his first All-Star team.
• RHP Kirby Yates – The 37-year-old posted his best numbers in Texas since 2019 and received Cy Young votes after finishing with a career-best 3.3 bWAR.
• RHP David Robertson – The former Met was stellar with Texas (3.00 ERA) and looks to continue to be a presence in the back end of a bullpen.
• LHP Jalen Beeks – Beeks performed better after moving from Colorado to Pittsburgh and remains a viable option as a southpaw after Scott.

Keep an eye on names like Kenley Jansen, Carlos Estévez, Danny Coulombe, Dylan Floro, José Leclerc and Caleb Ferguson.

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According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the contract has $23.25 million in deferred money. It’s a 10-year deferral period, which starts in 2035 and ends in 2044. Jon Becker of FanGraphs notes the AAV of Manaea’s contract will decrease to $22,023,552.34 (total value of $66,070,657.03) for luxury tax purposes, assuming the yearly deferral amount, $2.325 million, is split up evenly.

Original Post: Dec. 23 at 2:15 am

Sean Manaea is back.

Ever since the New York Mets signed Juan Soto, many have been waiting for the next big move David Stearns and Steve Cohen would make. The obvious chips still on the table were reunions with Manaea and Pete Alonso. Alonso remains on the open market, but Manaea is now heading back to Queens.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Sunday night that the Mets and Manaea have agreed to a three-year contract worth $75 million.

Photo by Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Mets now get one of their premier pitchers from 2024 back in the rotation after adding Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes. Manaea, 32 years old, is coming off the best season of his career, where he pitched like a top-of-the-line starter. Manaea went 12-6 with a 3.47 ERA in 181 2/3 innings pitched. He notched 184 strikeouts and a 3.0 WAR. In the absence of Kodai Senga for much of the season, Manaea stepped up and led the rotation as New York made the playoffs and earned a trip to the NLCS.

Manaea will return to the top of the rotation next to Senga, with Montas, Holmes, David Peterson and Paul Blackburn rounding it out. Adding Manaea back to the team gives the Mets a boost in the pitching department, as well as team chemistry in the clubhouse. Manaea was one of the more beloved players in the locker room. It also gives the Mets another lefty in that rotation after Peterson. As pitchers such as Luis Severino, Max Fried, and Blake Snell got paid by other teams, the Mets waited on Manaea’s market and got their guy back.  

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Young, 29, split the 2024 season between the Memphis Redbirds (the St. Louis Cardinals Triple-A affiliate) and Doosan of the KBO.  Young belted 10 home runs and posted a 1.080 OPS in Korea while hitting 11 home runs with a .917 OPS with Memphis.

For Memphis and Doosan, Young, who bats left and throws right, played first base, third base, right field and left field.  The Mets currently do not have a starting first baseman with Alonso still a free agent, and the possibility exists that Mark Vientos may move to first if Alonso does not re-sign, which, ostensibly, would create a vacancy at third base.  Either way, Young likely serves as depth in any scenario.

Furthermore, Young can fill the void as a fifth outfielder behind Juan Soto, Brandon Nimmo, Tyrone Taylor, and Jose Siri. DJ Stewart filled a similar role in 2024, but Jesse Winker ultimately took his spot after being acquired from Washington at the trade deadline.

Drafted in the 15th round of the 2017 MLB Amateur Draft by the Cubs out of Old Dominion University, Young last played in the major leagues in 2023.  In 16 games for the Cubs that season Young slashed .186/.255/.465/.720.  He has a lifetime career line of .210/.290/.436/.745 in 22 major league games.

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The Mets officially announced that they have signed outfielders Edward Olivares and Alex Ramírez as well as right-handed pitcher Grant Hartwig to minor league deals with invitations to major league spring training.

Olivares hit .224/.291/.333 with five home runs in 55 games as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024. He’s appeared in a total of 285 contests during his five-year MLB career with an OPS of .713.

New York also completed a trade for right-handed pitcher Sean Harney from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for international pool money. The 26-year-old was selected in the eighth round of the 2022 draft and owns an ERA of 3.90 across 63 minor league outings.

Original Post: Dec. 2 at 12:58 p.m.

The Mets have agreed to a minor league contract with outfielder Alex Ramírez and right-handed pitcher Grant Hartwig that will see both return to the organization for the 2025 season. Ramírez and Hartwig were non-tendered a contract on November 22, becoming free agents. The reunion with the Mets includes an invite to spring training for Hartwig. 

Alex Ramírez. Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

Ramírez, 22, once a top-10 prospect in the Mets organization, gets another crack. According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, Ramírez had a strong free agent market even though his development seemed to stall at the Double-A level. He hit .271/.342/.412/.754 in two Single-A seasons, .240/.316/.354/.670 in two High-A seasons and .210/.291/.299/.590 in Double-A. 

He remained on the 40-man roster because the Mets chose to protect him in the Rule 5 draft, but Ramírez never saw any big league action. A plus-runner on the bases, Ramírez stole a career-high 40 bases in 2024, leading the Eastern League. He can play all three outfield positions and has an arm that can suit him in right field. However, he struggles with reading routes. While he had seven assists in the outfield in 2024, he committed 10 errors.

Ramírez’s hindrance has been his bat. If he can find his swing again and limit the strikeouts, he struck out 123 times and walked 55 times, he can find success again. While never known for his power, speed has been his best friend. If he can better his contact and get on base, he can be a real threat and an asset to the Mets in the future.

Grant Hartwig

Hartwig, 26, has seen action for the Mets in the last two seasons, pitching to a 5.14 ERA over 42 innings, walking 19 and striking out 34 batters with a 1.405 career WHIP. While Hartwig pitched in four games for the 2024 Mets, he missed a large portion of the season when he underwent meniscus surgery on his right knee in June.

Hartwig has always offered above-average velocity and some serious movement on his pitches. He has struggled to locate his pitches and, despite his velocity, has a 7.3 K/9 over his career. Hartwig is primarily a sinker/slider pitcher who has used a cutter as his third pitch. He averaged 94.6 MPH on his sinker in 2024, and his sweeper has a high 2588 RPM spin rate that has generated a 46.2 whiff %.

Hartwig is a great story as he went undrafted in the 2021 MLB draft and was two weeks away from taking the MCAT exam to get into medical school when the Mets offered him a contract for $20,000.

Hartwig will serve as a solid minor league depth option who can hopefully find success with the Mets pitch design and development team to capitalize on his slider.

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Buehler, who spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, had a forgettable season in 2024. Although he closed out the World Series for the Dodgers and earned himself a ring, he pitched to a 5.38 ERA in 16 starts in 2024. He came off his second Tommy John surgery and hasn’t pitched a full season since 2021 when he was named to his second All-Star team and finished fourth in Cy Young voting.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Sherman reports the market for him is deep, and various contract types remain on the table. One-year and multi-year deals are options, with opt-outs to help him re-establish himself. Expect him to sign a contract in the vein of Sean Manaea in 2023, who signed a two-year deal with the Mets, which included an opt-out after year one.

The rotation remains a key rebuilding sector for the Mets, even after reportedly signing RHP Frankie Montas to a two-year deal Sunday.

Sherman also notes reliever Clay Holmes is on the Mets’ radar, someone who can bolster a bullpen in need of stability. Holmes comes off a four-year stint with the Yankees, where he posted a 2.69 ERA in 220 games. He saved 74 games, struck out 238 batters and walked 69. However, according to Sherman, the Mets might be interested in Holmes as a starter. He only started four games in his big league career, those coming in his rookie season for the Pirates back in 2018. For more on Holmes, read MMO’s free agent profile here.

Speaking of bullpen stability, Mike Soroka spent the 2024 season with the Chicago White Sox, where, after struggling as a starter, excelled in a relief role. The 27-year-old had a 2.75 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 36 innings as a reliever. Soroka started nine games on the South Side, posting an 0-5 record and 6.39 ERA. In 43.2 innings, he struck out 24 batters, walked 24 and allowed 10 home runs. As a reliever, he also went 0-5 but struck out 60 batters, walked 20 and allowed only three home runs.

His slider and fastball remained elite in 2024, with hitters mustering .168 and .195 batting averages against the pitches. However, his sinker and changeup were hit hard, with batters xSLG .558 and .548 against the pitches. Soroka’s 24.2% strikeout and 12.7% walk percentage were career worsts for him, but that may be a result of an increase in vertical movement in his changeup. While he decreased the pitch usage, it was his most erratic pitch.

Soroka began his career with the Atlanta Braves and is an All-Star. He finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2019 and sixth in Cy Young voting the same year. As a member of the Braves staff, he was 17-8 with a 3.32 ERA over 44 games (43 starts). He struck out 200 batters, walked 67 and finished his Braves tenure with a 136 ERA+. Injuries derailed much of his career. He suffered an Achilles injury in 2020 and then re-tore the same Achilles in 2021 while walking in the clubhouse.

He’s only pitched 100+ innings once in his career (2019). He pitched 79.2 innings in 2024, the second-most of his career. Teams will view him as a reliever, especially after his success in the role late in the season with the White Sox.

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