After a surprising season that saw the Mets make an improbable run to the NLCS, it’s time to turn our attention to the offseason. It’s time for the Mets to assess the roster and look to improve it. Add the necessary pieces to make this team better. A team that can be a treat to the National League and be an early favorite to win the last game of the season.
However, before we talk about the external moves the Mets must make. They must first figure out what to do with their pending free agents. With 13 players on expiring contracts, the Mets are gonna have to make some hard decisions. Which players should stay, and who should they let walk? Here’s an overview of the Mets free agents and what they should do with them.
Mets Pending Free Agents
Pete Alonso 1B
Arguably the biggest pending free agent for the Mets is Pete Alonso. At one point it seemed like a lock that Alonso would spend his entire career in Queens. That he would sign a long-term extension and eventually own the team record book for every offense category. However, an up-and-down season has thrown this into question. He had the worst regular season of his career slashing .240/.329/.459 for a .788 OPS with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs. This seemed to follow the trend where he’s regressed every season since 2022. However clutch moments like the home run to beat Milwaukee have brought the fans back on his side.
So if you’re David Streans what do you do? He no longer gonna get a contract like Matt Olson got. Which at one point looked like the least Alonso was going to get. However, making no effort to resign is irresponsible too. Many have pointed to the fact that Pete was pressing because of the impending free agency. Once he has stability he’ll return to what he did in 2019 and 2022. The best move is to offer him a four-year deal worth about 80-100 million.
Sean Manaea SP
Without question, the best move the Mets made last offseason was signing Sean Manaea. Originally brought in on a prove-it deal, he surpassed every expectation. Even the most optimistic Mets fans could’ve predicted just how good Manaea was in 2024. Over 181.2 innings he pitched to a 3.47 ERA with 184 strikeouts to 63 walks with a 1.084 WHIP and a 114 ERA+. However, Manaea’s season turned around after changing his pitch mechanics to be more similar to Chris Sale. After that, he was the undisputed ace.
With all the uncertainty surrounding the Mets rotation, Manaea is someone you have to bring back. As of right now, the only two locks for the rotation next season are Kodai Senga and David Peterson. Reliable options but not people you would be comfortable with in a winner-take-all game. Manaea is a guy who proved this postseason, he can be successful in those high-leverage games. The best move would be to offer him a 3-4 year deal worth around 60-80 million.
Jesse Winker OF/DH
At one point it was inconceivable that Jesse Winker would dawn the orange and blue. He used to be public enemy number one for Mets fans, after everything that happened with the fans and him being a Mets killer. However at this year’s deadline, the impossible became a reality when the Mets acquired him for prospect Tyler Stuart. He was the perfect platoon/bat off-the-bench option slashing .243/.318/.365 for a .683 OPS with three home runs and 13 RBIs.
Winker is the perfect guy to bring back in an depth role. With several outfield prospects on the cusp of the majors, the spots in the outfield are limited. They need a guy who can be a starter but can transition to the bench when the prospect is ready. Winker fits that role perfectly. Plus he just has the personality that all winning teams need to have. He’ll get a one to two-year deal worth around 10-20 million.
Luis Severino SP
Luis Severino had an up-and-down season. After signing him to a one-year prove-it deal, he pitched 182 innings with a 3.91 ERA, 161 strikeouts to 60 walks, a 1.242 WHIP, and a 101 ERA+. Not a bad season, but a far cry from the ace he was with the Yankees. Now with the Mets having questions in the rotation bringing back Severino isn’t the worst idea. He’s a good mid-rotation guy, someone who can give you innings and save the bullpen. He’s a perfect candidate for a one-year deal, worth around 10 million.
Jose Iglesias INF
The biggest surprise for the Mets this season is finding himself back on the open market. Jose Iglesias had a great season slashing .337/.381/.488 for a .830 OPS with four home runs and 26 RBIs. His production as well as his personality with “OMG” was a big reason for the club’s turnaround. However, despite all the good he brought, it would be a mistake to bring him back. This is controversial but re-signing guys who come out of nowhere and have big seasons, rarely work. Most of the time there is severe regression and the organization looks bad. Plus it could be seen as the Mets clinging to the magic of 2024, and not moving on to 2025.
Ryne Stanek RP
Ryne Stanek was one of the few bullpen arms the Mets could trust in the postseason. In the Wild Card and Divisional round of the playoffs, he was locked down. He pitched 4.1 innings only giving up one. Which is on par with the rest of his playoff numbers. A reliable arm like that is going to be very valuable for any team. The Mets definitely should look into bringing him back, however, they shouldn’t get into a bidding war for him. He shouldn’t be given anywhere over a two-year deal.
Jose Quintana SP
Jose Quintana is another Mets pitcher who had an up-and-down season. In 170.1 innings he pitched to a 3.75 ERA with 135 strikeouts to 63 walks with a 1.250 WHIP and a 105 ERA+. A solid season, and one of the most reliable arms the Mets had all season. Now Quintana should be viewed as a backup option. If they’re unable to get one of the bigger free-agent targets like Corbin Burnes or Max Fried, then giving Quintana a short-term deal is the smartest thing they can do.
The Rest
J.D. Martinez– Unless he wants to come back as a coach, there is no reason to consider bringing him back.
Harrison Bader– Although he had a strong first half his struggles in the second half, plus having guys like Winker and Tyrone Taylor make Bader redundant.
Phil Maton– The Mets just refused to pick up his player option, highly unlikely he will come back.
Brooks Raley– Dealing with injury problems he’s likely to take a short-term deal and try to prove he’s still a reliable bullpen arm.
Adam Ottavino– He pitched his way out of the circle of trust. His time with the Mets and baseball in general is over.
Drew Smith– Thanks for the memories but there are better options than him.
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