This has been a week from hell for New York Mets fans. On Monday, one of their biggest offseason fears came to pass when All-Star closer Edwin Diaz passed on an offer from the team and instead accepted a record-breaking three-year, $69 million contract from rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Surely, after losing Diaz, they wouldn’t also let fellow All-Star free agent Pete Alonso get away? Wrong.
The other nightmare shoe dropped on Tuesday afternoon when The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported the homegrown slugger is headed down the I-95 to Baltimore and is getting a five-year, $155 million deal from the Orioles. The news will further enrage a frustrated Mets fanbase, especially when they find out the club didn’t even make him an offer.
In the wake of the two huge departures, we look at seven stars New York could soon target to try and change the negative narrative about their offseason so far.
Robert Suarez
Following the Diaz news, a new report suggested the Mets were one of the top contenders for stud closer Robert Suarez. After signing two-time All-Star Devin Williams recently, the team wanted to combine him with Diaz. Bringing in the San Diego Padres veteran would be a good way to stick to the plan of having two elite closers in the bullpen.
Cody Bellinger
New York has been a fan of Cody Bellinger for quite some time. And they have long been viewed as one of the biggest competitors in free agency to his most recent team, the New York Yankees. They already needed a centerfielder, and now they also need a new starting first baseman. The one-time NL MVP can play either spot at a high level while also bringing some thump to the batting order to help for the Alonso power void.
Alex Bregman
Like Bellinger, the front office is also high on Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox veteran star Alex Bregman. The three-time All-Star isn’t a power bat like Alonso, but he brings a big upgrade on the infield defensively, is a high-character player, and is clutch in the postseason. All things the team needs and wants, while also being an impact hitter to add to the order.
Ketel Marte
Although the Mets don’t desperately need an upgrade at second or third, Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Ketel Marte is on the radar of a lot of teams for good reason. He is probably the best hitting 2B in the game and right in the middle of his prime. He is also locked into six more years on his contract. Marte would be a notable addition to the batting order in 2025.
Framber Valdez
Heading into the offseason, Astros star Framber Valdez was viewed as the best pitcher on this year’s free agent market. While there are character concerns after a public clash with a catcher this season, there is no denying his talent. He is a top-shelf innings eater, with a high groundball rate and a bunch of big-time talent and experience. He has been linked to the Mets over the last couple of weeks.
Byron Buxton
The Minnesota Twins are believed to be quietly in the midst of a total rebuild. That is why two-time All-Star Byron Buxton is probably available in a trade. While injuries have often been a problem for him, when healthy, he is a pretty good hitter with serious pop. But along with that, he is a gifted defensive centerfielder. A position the Mets badly need to upgrade this offseason.
Hunter Greene
Although recent reports suggested the Cincinnati Reds are no longer interested in moving stud pitcher Hunter Greene, the Mets have the prospect chips to change their mind. Although injuries have been a bit of a problem for him, the 26-year-old has ace potential. Plus, he is locked into three more seasons at a very affordable rate.
