What Should Be Next on the Mets’ Wishlist?

The Mets had big plans to start the offseason. They needed multiple starting pitchers. They needed to rebuild a bullpen. And they needed Juan Soto. They’ve done most of that. As the holidays come around, the Mets have a couple of other items to check off their wishlist. Let’s look at the most important.

Corner Infielder

Not even going to name a position here. The Mets seem open to a couple of different directions, Pete Alonso returning at first base chief among them. But they’ve been connected for a couple weeks now to Alex Bregman, and Nolan Arenado has listed the Mets as a team he’d waive his no-trade clause for. Either one of them could push Mark Vientos from third to first—or to DH with an Alonso reunion also possible.

But it feels like, whoever the Mets sign, signing this next player will be their last big move of the offseason. It feels like a priority for the Mets to get done soon. Everything else will round out the roster.

Reliever(s)

David Stearns has brought nearly a dozen relievers into the organization in free agency, most of them on minor-league deals. The 40-man pitching roster is littered with lottery tickets. The Mets need one or two more sure-fire pieces to join Edwin Diaz, Dedniel Núñez, Reed Garrett, and Danny Young. Just about everyone else is up in the air. (If I had to guess, José Butto will go back to starting.)

Some really good names are out there. Jon Heyman has made that known for weeks. Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, Kenley Jansen, Jeff Hoffman, David Robertson, Carlos Estevez and plenty others still haven’t signed. Feels like smart teams are waiting for the first one to fall, then try to find one-to-two-year value. The Mets need to be in on that for a comfortable bridge to Diaz.

Backup Infielder

As the roster stands, the Mets have a hole at first and Mark Vientos at third. Jeff McNeil is probably the Opening Day second baseman. After the aforementioned corner infielder, the Mets need a steady hand backing them up. There are a lot of maybes, from prospects like Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña to 40-man gamble Jared Young to younger players who may make the leap to be MLB-ready.

José Iglesias was the vibes guy last year, and he played really well in a reserve role. He could easily be brought back. They haven’t really been connected to names in this area. Paul DeJong anyone???

Alex Anthopolous to Continue Thinking Free Agency Starts in February

The Braves have shed some salary and made your routine minor-league signings. Outside of that, Max Fried and Travis d’Arnaud have left, Charlie Morton may retire, and a handful of bench players from 2024 are gone. They’re clearly waiting out the top end of the free agent market, but they may be missing out on the middle of the pack, too. I’m sure the Mets don’t mind.

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