Where will Juan Soto go?
The issue started circulating long before last season ended, and it's still not resolved as MLB's biggest offseason event, the Winter Meetings, approaches.
Soto's answer relates directly to the Mets, whose offseason will largely be determined by the All-Star outfielder's decisions. Industry sources say Soto's market includes the Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Dodgers.
Post reporter Jon Heyman reported Saturday that the Mets and Yankees had bids in the range of $710 million to $730 million.
As private meetings begin Sunday in Dallas, the Mets will be hoping to get closer to answers and allow team officials to shape the rest of the offseason.
Last winter, the Mets had to wait for Shohei Ohtani (who they never seriously pursued) and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (who they courted avidly) to make decisions before choosing a path. Both stars ended up with the Dodgers.
Now the Mets are waiting for Soto.
At the top of the list of things to watch for in the Mets' winter meetings is the acquisition of Soto. There are four others:
Conversation between Alonso and the turkey
A resolution to Soto's status would allow the Mets to turn to Scott Boras' other big client, Pete Alonso.
In a normal offseason, when there aren't many players of Soto's caliber on the market, Alonso's free agency would make a lot of headlines locally.
But all has been quiet in Alonso's front office since the Mets played their last game in October, with the first baseman once again expressing his desire to remain with the only organization he's known.
Here's the question: If Soto goes to the Mets, does it increase or decrease the chances of Alonso returning?
Meanwhile, Coach Cohen has already spent an astonishing amount of money on his batting lineup, and a short-term solution could be available at first base by slotting Soto between Francisco Lindor and Mark Vientos.
On the other hand, if they're going to sign a player as talented as Soto, why not raise the level of enthusiasm to the highest level by bringing back a fan favorite who hit 37 home runs last season?
end rotation
The Mets will look to add at least one, if not two, starting pitchers to complete the rotation they have strengthened in recent weeks.
Frankie Montas (2 years, $34 million) and Clay Holmes (3 years, $38 million) are two low-risk additions the Mets will add in addition to Kodai Chiga and David Peterson.
Other participants include Tyler Megill, Paul Blackburn, and Jose Butto.
It would be surprising if the Mets had their eye on Corbin Burnes or Max Fried — another starter in the same division, Blake Snell, received a five-year contract worth $182 million from the Dodgers. –But the team may look to other players looking to rebuild value. Walker Buehler, Mike Soroka, etc.
Sean Manaea emerged as the Mets' ace late last season, but with his sights set on a much higher contract than former rotation mate Luis Severino (three years, $67 million) received from the Athletics last week. There is a possibility that there are. .
trade negotiations
The Mets made one of the more notable trades this offseason, acquiring Jose Siri from the Rays last month to essentially replace Harrison Bader in center field.
Will the Mets be able to find a contract for a pitcher or potential DH without sacrificing a top prospect?
The X-factor will be where Starling Marte, who is entering the final year of his contract, fits in if the Mets acquire Soto.
The Mets could consider acquiring Marte to add a low-cost fifth outfielder behind Soto, Brandon Nimmo, Tyron Taylor and Siri.
Brett Batty's future with the Mets will likely depend on Alonso's return.
In a scenario where Alonso is re-signed, Mark Vientos would likely remain at third base and shut out Batty.
However, the Mets could still look to keep Batty in Triple-A to increase his trade value.
Visible relief?
Last winter, the Mets signed Adam Ottavino, Jorge Lopez and Jake Diekman to free agent contracts, but none of them worked out. Lopez and Diekman didn't even finish the season with the team.
However, Stearns excelled in building his bullpen throughout the year, adding players like Phil Mayton and Ryne Stanek.
Edwin Diaz, Reid Garrett, and Butt (if not used as starters) are known to be strong pieces of the bullpen, with familiar faces like Sean Reid-Foley and De'Doniel Nunez returning from injury.
The team signed a number of relief pitchers to minor league contracts this offseason, but they certainly need at least one or two established arms.
Tanner Scott is the top free agent reliever and will give the team a dynamic left-hander to pair with Diaz.
Alternatively, the Mets might consider reuniting with the ageless David Robertson, who is coming off a great year in Texas, where he had a great major league career.
Blake Treinen and Paul Swald are also interesting names.
