A year ago, the Mets had a straightforward objective: leverage Steve Cohen’s resources, David Stearns’ negotiation skills, and the organization’s rising status to lure Juan Soto. With a staggering $765 million on the table, the Mets charged into the Winter Meetings with determination.
Now, as Stearns & Co. heads to Orlando, Florida for the annual baseball gathering, things are a bit more complicated.
After a promising offseason yet an underwhelming season, the Mets find themselves needing to address several key positions, especially in the starting rotation, first base, at least one outfield slot, and the bullpen.
Winter meetings can sometimes bring clarity, like when the Mets snagged a right fielder for 15 years last December, but not every negotiation resolves quickly—some can stretch into weeks or even months.
Here are five pressing questions facing the Mets that might get answered in the coming days.
Who will be the ace?
Stearns has various paths available to find pitching options that were off the table last season. He could make a big commitment to someone like Ranger Suarez or Framber Valdez, which he’s generally avoided so far. There are also free agents like Michael King or Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, who offer potential but come with unknowns. Additionally, the Mets could look within their newly improved farm system for budding starters, eyeing names like Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, Joe Ryan, or Mackenzie Gore.
They have choices, but so does every other team craving a top-tier pitcher.
What about Pete Alonso?
Details regarding Alonso’s market activity are sparse, especially considering he didn’t secure the long-term deal he sought last year and ended up signing a one-year contract with the Mets. This past season has been more fruitful for him at the plate, and he’s unbothered by qualifying offers.
On paper, his next deal should be better; however, at 30, he’s a year older now.
With Brandon Nimmo already out, how long can the Mets afford to wait on Alonso’s future? If he signs elsewhere, they might have to explore options for a designated hitter, perhaps looking at players like Kyle Schwarber.
If Schwarber’s market heats up quickly in Orlando, will the Mets rush to secure him, or will they look for a quicker solution for Alonso’s absence?
What are the Mets and Edwin Diaz’s intentions?
Both the Mets and Diaz have expressed mutual affection, but will that be enough to mend their partnership?
It’s not in Stearns’ habit to offer extended contracts to older players, especially relievers like Diaz, who is turning 32 in March. Diaz will likely seek a lucrative contract, possibly his last major one.
If another team proposes a five-year deal for Diaz, will the Mets match it, or will both sides decide to compromise for the sake of maintaining a good rapport?
Who will fill the outfield spots?
After trading Nimmo, the Mets currently have Juan Soto as a superstar, Tyrone Taylor as a fourth outfielder, and Jeff McNeil—who recently transitioned from second base—as well as several promising prospects not quite ready for the season opener.
Will the Mets pursue top market options like Cody Bellinger, who is versatile, or Kyle Tucker for left field? Could they look into trade possibilities involving Byron Buxton, Jalen Duran, or Luis Robert Jr.? Or might they take a more conservative approach with options like Mike Yastrzemski or Miguel Andujar?
Can the farm system step up?
While the Major League Mets faced a rough last season, their Minor League operations thrived, particularly with advancements from players like Nolan McLean. Will they utilize their depth in starting pitchers to acquire a seasoned pitching package? Or will they maintain an abundance of outfield prospects for durability throughout the season?
Perhaps they’ll rely on their system to promote players as needed during the year.
