With the New York Mets looking to add to their pitching staff, but at the right price, a pair of MLB legends could end up being targets soon.
This has not been the offseason NY Mets fans expected. After their historic September collapse, change was expected. However, most did not think it would mean core players Edwin Diaz, Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil departing in free agency or trades.
In response, the team added Devin Williams, Marcus Semien, Jorge Polanco, and Luke Weaver. Good players, no doubt, but not the big moves the fanbase wanted. The offseason approach has sent a clear message. The organization wants to create a youth movement, and if they spend it will only be in a way they are comfortable with.
That is why, despite being linked to star free agent pitchers Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez, unless those players make major concessions in the terms they want, a deal with the NY Mets is unlikely. So what could President David Stearns do instead to add to the rotation?
Well, on Tuesday, ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers gave an update on the market for two players that could be options for New York in 2026: Future Hall of Famers Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.
Should the NY Mets Target Reunion With Max Scherzer or Justin Verlander?
“While Scherzer received plenty of positive attention last postseason, the finish to Verlander’s season flew under the radar,” he wrote. “Teams have taken some notice of the soon-to-be 43-year-old’s second half, in which he ranked in the top 10 in MLB in starts, IP, ERA, fWAR, and several other categories beginning with his second start after the All-Star break. An early pectoral injury didn’t stop him from finishing strong.”
NY Mets fans are sure to eye roll at the idea of a reunion with Verlander or Scherzer. But adding an expensive pitcher in free agency or an ace in a blockbuster before the season is looking very unlikely. So if they can’t acquire a big arm, bringing in proven depth will probably be the strategic pivot.
The pair of MLB legends both made around $15 million last year. They would likely get the same or less in 2026, which is a price Stearns would prefer. But their value would be more about what they can bring to the locker room and bullpen to help the Mets’ future.
The club is hoping to make Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat the core of their rotation for a decade. Sitting under the learning tree of one of the best pitchers of the last 50 years, even for a season, would be a big benefit in those youngsters’ development. While the team wants to win in 2026, doing all they can to set themselves up long-term is just as big a goal for the club.
