Introduction
As we approach the start of spring training and opening day of the season, it is safe to say that all of the Mets’ significant additions and losses this offseason have come to a close, it’s time to look back at what this offseason has been so far.
Pitching
The Mets definitely boosted their pitching arsenal this offseason, from bullpen arms to starters, but they also lost some of their well-known arms. Jacob Degrom left for the texas rangers, Chris Bassitt left for the Blue Jays, and Taijuan Walker decided to move on and go to the Phillies. Their bullpen also had some familiar faces leave, including Trevor May to the Athletics, Trevor Williams to the Nationals, and Joely Rodriguez to the Red Sox. However, the Mets were also able to retain their star closer Edwin Diaz and solid reliever Adam Ottavino.
Some additions were needed for the starting rotation as well, with the gaping hole of 3 starting pitching spots empty, the Mets first signed 2022 Cy Young winner Justin Verlander to a 2-year, $88-million contract to replace the hole of their former ace Jacob Degrom. They signed Jose Quintana, who had a very solid 2022 season to a 2-year $26-million contract to replace Taijuan Walker in the rotation, and they signed rising Japanese star Kodai Senga to a 5-year, $75-million contract. They also got some bullpen help as well, signing David Robertson, a very solid reliever to a 1-year, $10-million contract, and acquired Brooks Raley from the rays in a trade who can be a very established and good reliever.
The Lineup
The Mets weren’t productive in this area during the season, causing many needs to be addressed in free agency. They were able to re-sign Centerfielder Brandon Nimmo to an 8-year, $162-million contract. He is now the Mets center fielder for years to come. They were able to trade away their very below-average catcher James McCann to the Orioles for prospect Luis De La Cruz. They made the addition of Omar Narvaez to replace the starting catcher role, as Francisco Alvarez continues to develop in AAA. Their final offensive addition was Tommy Pham, who agreed to a 1-year, $6-million contract. He is a decent hitter that will be used in the DH role occasionally and is the 4th outfielder for the Mets. They will look to their farm system for DHs according to Mets Billy Eppler, so Mark Vientos or Ronny Mauricio seem like the best fit for those roles.
Another thing also worth mentioning is the Carlos Correa fiasco. He originally signed a 13-year, $350-million contract with the Giants, but he had issues with his physicals which lead to him signing a 12-year, $315-million contract with the Mets. Then news broke out that the Mets now had difficulties with his physical, and negotiations with the Mets went on for almost 3 weeks after the original agreement with the Mets before he rejoined the twins on a 6-year, $200-million contract.
My Thoughts and Opinions
I think that overall this was a very productive off-season for the Mets, they improved their bullpen which was one of their biggest weaknesses of their 2022 season, and filled some of the holes in their lineup. I believe that there are big things to look forward to in the 2023 season with the team being better and the rookie seasons of Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, and Kodai Senga, which will all be exciting.
