As the Mets‘ offseason rolls on, with pitchers and catchers set to report to spring training in one month, frustration with the pace and current results when it comes to player acquisitions is understandable. But nuance is needed.
It’s not just the Mets whose plans are evolving slowly — it’s most of the league.
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There have been offseasons where one or two huge free agents remained unsigned as spring training neared. The most notable occurrence was when it took until February of 2019 for Bryce Harper and Manny Machado to sign.
But never in recent memory has there been a crop of free agents like this still out there with spring training so close:
Kyle Tucker
Cody Bellinger
Bo Bichette
Alex Bregman
Framber Valdez
Ranger Suarez
Zac Gallen
Eugenio Suarez
The above players just scratch the surface, with there being roughly 200 free agents left.
Then there’s the trade market.
Edward Cabrera, whose name was in rumors all offseason and was linked to the Mets, was just traded from the Marlins to the Cubs. But most of the big names haven’t moved. That list includes Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, Joe Ryan, Jarren Duran, Luis Robert Jr., and any of the Padres — with the Mets being linked to Nick Pivetta and Mason Miller a few weeks ago.
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So, what gives? And what do the Mets need to do?
Aug 23, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker (30) hits a two-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium. / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
As far as the glacial overall pace of the MLB offseason, it’s pretty simple to understand. Most teams have similar evaluations of what players are worth, which limits true bidding wars. Front offices are seeking the most value, while agents and players are often seeking the most years. When long-term deals aren’t attainable, shorter-term contracts with higher average annual values (and opt-outs) start to make a lot of sense.
That’s where the Mets could come in.
Regardless of what New York’s internal projections might be as currently constructed — and it’s fair to believe they’re aiming to win 90+ games in 2026 — they remain in dire need in both the lineup (specifically in the outfield) and starting rotation.
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Enter Tucker and Valdez.
According to multiple reports this week, including from SNY analyst Jim Duquette, the Mets are among the teams most interested in signing Tucker. The two other most interested teams? The Blue Jays and Dodgers.
Conventional wisdom all offseason has been that the Jays were the best fit for Tucker, and that they would offer him the long-term deal he reportedly covets. With Tucker still out there, it’s fair to believe there’s a serious gap. It’s also important to note that Toronto already has roughly $304 million committed to their payroll for 2026 — the highest in franchise history.
The Blue Jays also have a recent history of including heavy deferrals in their contracts, which significantly lower the present- day value. They did that with Dylan Cease in December.
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Then there’s the Dodgers, who could be a soft landing spot for Tucker on a short-term deal. But it takes two to tango.
Maybe the Jays pony up a huge deal that satisfies Tucker. Maybe the Dodgers are lying in wait, ready to pounce. Or maybe the Mets will find themselves in a relatively perfect spot, where something like a four-year and $160 million deal with opt-outs can lure Tucker to Queens.
Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez (59) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers in game one of the Wild Card round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Minute Maid Park. / Troy Taormina – Imagn Images
When it comes to Valdez, the Mets and Orioles are reportedly the most interested teams. Ranger Suarez is also out there on the free agent market, but is arguably not a great fit given his declining fastball velocity and the potential length of his deal.
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Regarding Valdez, I would be surprised at this point if he wound up with more than a three-or four-year deal. And if that’s the case, he should fit snugly within David Stearns‘ preferred parameters for free agent deals to older starting pitchers.
The Mets inking both Tucker and Valdez could add roughly $70 million to the payroll, which — while doable — feels like something that could hamstring them going forward.
So perhaps the most sensible outcome here has the Mets signing Tucker or Valdez, and turning to the trade market to fill whichever huge need they don’t address via free agency.
Given the lack of difference-making outfielders on the trade market (there might not be any if Duran doesn’t move), the cleanest thing could be signing Tucker and trying to pry Peralta away from the Brewers — something the Mets should be in strong position to attempt since they still have their full stable of prospects.
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No matter what happens, New York needs a legitimate top of the rotation starting pitcher after their rotation doomed them last season and a potential difference-making bat to offset the losses of Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo.
It could be one of the above combinations of players or something totally different we’re not even contemplating. All that matters is that it happens.
