New rumors reveal the New York Mets are in position to land a top free agent still available for a discount rate, as well as Brett Baty’s surprise role for 2026.
This has been an eventful last few days for the NY Mets. On Thursday, a frustrating offseason for their fanbase continued when they found out that not only did they lose the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes, but they were soundly outbid by rivals the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, the club responded in a major way the following day.
On Friday, the NY Mets surprised many around the league when they pivoted from targeting an impact player in the outfield to signing two-time All-Star infielder Bo Bichette. While the former Toronto Blue Jays star will add a big bat to the order, it still leaves two clear needs: An impact arm for the starting rotation and help in the outfield.
Well, an interesting option has emerged for the starting staff. One-time All-Star Zac Gallen is one of the top pitchers left in MLB free agency. However, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, he is one of the “least attractive free agents” available because he is tied to a qualifying offer draft pick, and he had a career-worst season in 2025.
Zac Gallen stats: 13-15 record, 4.83 ERA, 1.260 ERA, 175 SO, 66 BB, 12.0 IP
An executive suggested to Rosenthal that it could lead to Gallen being “squeezed” by interested teams and getting a very affordable deal in the $13 to $15 million range annually. Not a bad price for a seven-year veteran who has posted double-digit wins in his last four seasons and showed evidence of a turnaround late last season.
If the NY Mets don’t land a player like Framber Valdez or trade for Freddy Peralta, Gallen could be a strong and affordable backup option in the weeks ahead.
Brett Baty could play left field for NY Mets in 2026?
As of now, the projected starting outfield for opening day will likely be Juan Soto, Tyrone Taylor, and top prospect Carson Benge. According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, he would be surprised if the team doesn’t bring in a more impactful veteran option for center or left field.
Youngsters Brett Baty and Mark Vientos could be trade chips in a potential deal to improve the outfield. However, the NY Mets insider also claimed that they could keep Baty, and he could have a similar role as Jeff McNeil last season. Which included playing some left field.
