Back last week, the New York Mets fans took a huge hit. Two fan favorites and cornerstones left in free agency in back-to-back days. First, Edwin Diaz, who was the best closer in baseball in several years, took off to LA to sign with the Dodgers. Then, Pete Alonso, a huge 1B and possibly the best offensive free agent, signed with the Baltimore Orioles. The Mets also had already traded Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien weeks earlier. Overall, the Mets fanbase seemed to turn against David Stearns. However, all hope might not be lost- in fact, the Mets may have gotten better.
Looking at the Mets Offseason
Recent Additions May Make New York Much Better
Last season, the Mets were too top-heavy and young. Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, Alonso, and Nimmo made up way too much of the offense. Meanwhile, other youngsters were too hot and too cold to provide New York with consistent wins. In 2024, interestingly, Mark Vientos notably benefitted from the veteran presence of J.D Martinez. That year, Vientos might have been the best player in a stretch of the regular season, and especially so in the postseason.
With the Mets trading for Semien, and now signing Jorge Polanco, the Mets lineup will be more balanced, but young players can now benefit from experienced players. New York has plenty of young stars and prospects, meaning that such moves can definitely help New York.
The Offseason Has Just Begun
Firstly, the signing of Polanco cannot be overlooked. When healthy, the switch-hitter can light up opposing pitchers. Not to mention, he provides some more balance for the lineup. Keith Hernandez believed strongly that the Mets should re-sign Alonso, as it will be hard to replace 40 homers- but, you can. By adding more players in free agency, even ones that may not be a superstar, the Mets can improve. Not to mention, New York isn’t nearly done yet, as the Mets will almost certainly sign or trade for someone big.
As for Diaz, the Mets thankfully signed Devin Williams, who when good is among the best in the league. As for Diaz leaving, well apparently it was a pretty “easy choice”, and it was a simple case of a “if you can’t beat them, join them”. Overall though, there is still much to be improved on. Firstly, the bullpen needs some more reliable pitchers. Secondly, the rotation is a big question mark that needs another ace that can solidify it. Finally, even the lineup could use a few more changes that could make the Mets a better team.
The Mets Will Continue to Surprise…
It is clear that the Polanco signing really surprised and not many expected it. However, it is an excellent signing and one that feels refreshing. Before 2022, the Mets went crazy in the offseason and added a lot of veteran talent. That talent together with Alonso and Lindor led to a massive 101 win season. It is clear that Stearns can do the same here. Maybe not a 100 win season, but the Mets weren’t eliminated from playoff contention before the season started as some have suggested.
The Mets are searching everywhere for a at least one big trade, and definitely won’t be done when it comes to free agency. New York has the best farm system in baseball, but it depends how much they are willing to give away in an event of a trade. Certain players have been described as untouchable, but not all. In terms of free agency, there remains a lot of big fish out there, as certain players that haven’t signed yet are in the Mets sights.
Overall, the loss of Diaz and Alonso was a bit of gut-punch for New York fans who have watched the two in Mets uniforms for half of a decade. However, all isn’t lost for New York. Stearns may actually know what he is doing. Like a few seasons ago, New York can regroup after a failure of a season. Many may have counted New York out, but the Mets are coming.
Main Image: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
