In a somewhat subdued offseason for the New York Mets, one insider anticipates a dramatic shift in their approach come next winter.
True to expectations, the Mets have navigated a relatively quiet offseason this winter. While they made a splash with a substantial offer to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, it appears the front office, led by new President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, is reserving major, long-term deals for the future.
Stearns’ strategy aligns with securing financial flexibility, strategically waiting for significant contracts, such as those of Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and James McCann, to come off the books in 2025. This conservative stance in the current offseason reflects a departure from the high-profile moves observed since Steve Cohen assumed ownership.
Insider Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY asserts, “The Mets are poised to do what the Dodgers did this winter by reaching deep into their wallets a year from now with $70 million in dead contracts to Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander and James McCann coming off their books.”
The Mets’ reluctance to commit to long-term contracts this winter is driven by a clear vision – preserving flexibility for a robust pursuit of talent when they perceive themselves as contenders in 2024.
Looking ahead to the 2025 offseason, the Mets could emulate the Los Angeles Dodgers’ recent roster overhaul, armed with a substantial budget freed up from expiring contracts. Notable names hitting the free-agent market, including Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, Zack Wheeler, and Alex Bregman, present enticing possibilities for major upgrades.
While next year’s offseason might lack the allure of this one, considering the absence of a Shohei Ohtani-type figure, star players like Soto, Burnes, Wheeler, and Bregman could still make it a compelling market. The Mets, seemingly dormant in the current Hot Stove season, are poised for a pronounced shift in approach next winter, positioning themselves to potentially dominate the headlines as they reshape their roster with strategic and impactful moves.