New York Mets’ Active Offseason Includes Losing 2 Stars and 2 Former Yankees
The New York Mets have had a puzzling offseason already, and it is not even Christmas. The New York Mets have lost two stars to free agency, traded away another, and signed two bad pitchers from the New York Yankees. Fans of the New York Mets are scratching their heads a bit and expecting the deep-pocketed owner, Steve Cohen, to make a big splash by signing a free agent or two.
As currently constructed, this New York Mets team will not make the playoffs again and will struggle to reach .500. They promise to be uncompetitive in the National League East. Do you think there will be big free agent signings for the New York Mets in 2026?
New York Mets Roster Changes So Far
The New York Mets have had a number of roster changes so far this offseason. This is unusual because it is still relatively early. Taken as a whole, the Mets have gotten much weaker. Here we go through all of these moves.
First, the New York Mets traded Outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for Second Baseman Marcus Semien. Simien and Francisco Lindor will make the New York Mets’ defense great up the middle, but when combined with the next free agency loss, the Mets have lost a lot of power.
The Mets lost first baseman and slugger Pete Alonso to the Baltimore Orioles. He signed a five-year contract with the Orioles. While you could argue that Alonso is on the downhill portion of his career, the Mets have lost a combined 53 home runs. Who is going to protect Juan Soto in the lineup?
That loss pales in comparison to the changes that have happened in the New York Mets bullpen. Closer Edwin Diaz signed a huge contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. To compensate for this loss, the Mets inexplicably signed both Luke Weaver and Devin Williams to free agent contracts. Both of these pitchers struggled for the New York Yankees last season. They do not make up for the loss of Diaz.
This affinity for the former New York Yankees is odd, but not new. Of course, before last season, the Mets signed Yankee free agent Juan Soto to a huge contract. He said he was unhappy. The Mets also signed failed Yankee Closer Clay Holmes. They made him a starting pitcher. That experience did not work, and fans wonder what the Mets will do to shore up their starting pitching rotation.
What Will the Mets Do Next?
The Mets are not done, though they have been very active so far this year. Expect them to make more moves, probably two. The Mets need to sign a starting pitcher. Framber Valdez, formerly of the Houston Astros, is a likely target.
Look for the Mets to make a splash also by signing a slugging outfielder. Another former Yankee, Cody Bellinger, is a possibility. He plays great defense. Expect the Mets to face competition for Bellinger, so they could revert to Kyle Tucker. Either way, the Mets are likely to sign one of the big-ticket free agents.
Conclusion
The New York Mets are not done, but have already had an active offseason. They made a big trade, signed two free agents, and lost two more. It is expected they will make a move or two, more. Doing so will solidify their roster and will placate their fans, who are bewildered now. There is no question that Cohen will spend any amount to make the roster whole.
