Most of the Mets rotation is a question mark to return next year, in addition to the team’s top three relievers. The starting center fielder is also headed toward free agency.
The free-agent signing period will begin in November after the World Series, and the Mets’ early dismissal from the postseason has left team officials with extra time to focus on the future.
Here we examine five questions facing the organization heading toward what should be an active winter.
How should they approach Jacob deGrom?
With an armored car.
The Mets ace stated as recently as late July his intent to opt out from his contract after the season. Max Scherzer’s three-year deal that pays $43.3 million per season is the bar in terms of average annual value and it wouldn’t be surprising if the 34-year-old deGrom surpasses that figure in a new contract. DeGrom’s present contract calls for him to receive $30.5 million next season. The Mets hold a club option for 2024 worth $32.5 million, with almost half of it deferred.
First and foremost, does deGrom still want to pitch for the Mets? The right-hander was drafted and developed by the organization, but it’s possible the right-hander would prefer a change in locale that would remove him from the New York spotlight.
Team brass has to decide how much it still values deGrom, who missed the second half of last season and four months this year.
Behind deGrom, the Mets will have to decide on Chris Bassitt and Taijuan Walker, who can become free agents. The Mets hold an option they can exercise worth $14 million to bring back Carlos Carrasco.
Will they pursue Aaron Judge?
If the Mets don’t want to give deGrom the money — or he is intent on leaving — why not divert the funds in Aaron Judge’s direction? Pete Alonso and Judge in the same lineup would give the Mets two of the biggest home-run hitting attractions in the game. Judge is certainly atop that list after hitting 62 homers to eclipse Roger Maris’ American League record.
If not Judge, the Mets could certainly use another big bat that would help guard against sustained power droughts. The Mets’ offensive success this season was predicated largely on grinding at-bats and contact, but could have used heavier artillery.
Judge can’t hurt the Mets too much if he returns to the Yankees. It would be worse news to Steve Cohen if Judge landed with the Braves, Dodgers or Giants.
Any chance Edwin Diaz escapes?
The easiest call surrounding the Mets’ own free agents should be on re-signing Diaz, who electrified Citi Field with his fastball/slider combination that translated into nearly two strikeouts per inning. It took four seasons, but the Mets finally received maximum dividend from Diaz, who now stands to become the highest-paid closer in major league history. Liam Hendriks’ deal with the White Sox with an AAV of $18 million holds the top spot.
Adam Ottavino and Seth Lugo are the other key relievers headed to free agency.
How about re-signing Brandon Nimmo?
Team brass communicated to Nimmo’s camp during the All-Star break an interest in extending the relationship between the outfielder and the Mets. If Nimmo, who is represented by Scott Boras, signs a new contract with the club it could leave him in position to play his entire career for the Mets — he was selected by the organization in the first round of the 2011 draft. Nimmo brings plate discipline, speed and plus-defense in center field to the equation. On the flip side, he doesn’t possess much power and that is an element the Mets could use.
What kind of trade capital do the Mets possess?
Less than they might need to pursue a premier talent such as Shohei Ohtani, who could potentially become available this offseason.
Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty are the organization’s top two prospects, but both are expected to fill needs, at catcher and third base respectively, in the near future.
The next wave includes players such as Kevin Parada and Jett Williams, who arrived in the last draft. Mark Vientos and Ronny Mauricio might not be highly regarded enough to land a big return. The Mets struggled at the last trade deadline in large part because their farm system still isn’t very deep.