BY MIKE RIFKIN
The case of the 2025 New York Mets is plain and simple they choked. With one of the highest payrolls in the sport the Mets missed the playoffs, one season after being two wins away from competing in the World Series. The results were unacceptable and outside of Carlos Mendoza the entire coaching staff is out. Now with his manager and possibly his own job on the line how should David Stearns operate this offseason? This will be how I would operate this offseason.
- RE-SIGN Edwin Diaz – One and two are going to be similar for me. Diaz is arguably the best closer in the sport and all the Mets really need to do is tack on a few years to an existing deal that should get it done. But Diaz is top priority because even if they don’t know who is starting, they’ll know who is finishing games.
- RE-SIGN Pete Alonso – Alonso tested the market last season and nothing came his way, the Mets were able to get him on their terms. But after the season Pete had, the deal is on his terms. Yeah, you can complain about his defense, but what he does offensively cannot be replaced. What he and Juan Soto did in the second half of the season was beautiful, neither one has as good of a season if the other isn’t there. Making Pete a Met for life should be on the agenda.
- TRADE FOR TARIK SKUBAL : Here comes the Mets biggest need starting pitching. The reason the Mets missed the playoffs was their starting pitching wasn’t good enough and put too much pressure on the bullpen. Skubal is the best pitcher in the sport and is on the verge of winning his second consecutive CY Young. Why the Tigers don’t want to pay him is beyond me, but with the farm system the Mets have, they need to use it to their advantage and then use Steve Cohen’s checkbook to make Skubal a Met long term. Something along the lines of Brandon Sproat, Jett Williams, and Mark Vientos could get this done.
- TRADE JEFF MCNEIL : We’ve added some salary and now we have to dump some. McNeil has been a good Met, he’s one of two Mets to ever win a batting title and his versatility is unmatched, but now the Mets have younger players who are ready and someone needs to be a fall guy and McNeil is the easiest option. Trade him for a reliever or starting pitcher who could help.
- TRADE FOR NOLAN ARENADO – I know what you’re thinking how is trading for a 34 year old third baseman going to help? Well, David Stearns talked about run prevention in his end of season press conference, what’s better than a 10 time Gold Glove winner and six time Platinum Glove winner. With two years and 31 million dollars left on his deal, the Mets won’t have to dip into prospects, this should be a contract for contract. So either Kodai Senga or Sean Manea could go.
- SIGN ZAC GALLEN – Again the top of the Mets rotation is a big need. Gallen is not coming off a great season, but remember how good he was in 2023 in the D-Backs run to the World Series. Also since 2021 he has started at least 23 games.
- SIGN DUSTIN MAY OR ALEK MANOAH – Yeah David Stearns has other needs, but I also know he likes reclamation projects. Here are two really good talents, who whether by injury or other circumstances haven’t panned out. Either one could also be a long man in the bullpen.
- TRADE FOR LUIS ROBERT – The Mets need a Center Fielder, and unless Carson Benge is ready trading for Robert could be very beneficial. He is only making 20 million dollars, and is under team control for one more season. Robert is also two years removed from a 38 homer season, so maybe the change of scenery will help get his stroke back. The Mets could center this deal over Mark Vientos.
- SIGN LUIS ARRAEZ – The Mets have a lot of power, especially if Alonso returns, but they don’t have a lot of contact guys. Arraez fills that need and if you combine him and Starling Marte returning (on a cheap deal) that could solve the DH position. Arraez can also spell Pete at first base or if Arenado could use a day off, kick Brett Baty over to third and play Arraez at second.
10. SIGN PETE FAIRBANKS – Yeah, this is news Fairbanks’ option with the Rays was declined. The Mets could use Fairbanks like they hoped Ryan Helsley would’ve helped at the trade deadline. Fairbanks and Edwin Diaz at the backend could be a very formidable duo. I also wouldn’t mind looking at Luke Weaver or Devin Williams if they can’t get Fairbanks.
The Sports Insanity Network 