The Mets are about to spend a lot of money, I believe.
The New York Mets are in a wonderful position. On the playoff bubble, with a legitimate MVP candidate in Francisco Lindor and one of the league’s most active front offices. If the 2024 season does not go as planned, New York supporters can look forward to 2025 with excitement, since this winter could swing strongly in the Mets’ favor.
We all know Juan Soto is the Mets’ top aim. If Soto does not return to the New York Yankees, he will most likely transfer across the city to Queens. The Mets are certain to offer the most money and, potentially, the greatest competitive odds. Imagine saying that one year ago. Oh how the times have changed.
Other teams will compete for Soto, but his contract is expected to exceed $600 million, and only a few franchises can afford such a sum. Most importantly, the Mets can afford it, and Steve Cohen is normally committed to winning when the opportunity arises.
However, New York’s ambitious offseason ambitions do not end there. The Mets could make numerous moves in free agency, with another top-line target recently linked to the team.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Baltimore Orioles pitcher Corbin Burnes is another potential target for the Metropolitans.
Mets expected to target Corbin Burnes as free agency frenzy edges closer
Burnes will be the best pitcher available this winter, depending on how Gerrit Cole’s situation with the Yankees develops. Even if Cole miraculously appears on the open market, Burnes is enjoying the better season and is four years younger, therefore there will not be a more valuable commodity on the mound. Burnes will be so popular that his deal could be worth more than $300 million.
Again, only so many teams have that kind of money. The Mets have gone out of their way to acquire pricey pitchers (see Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer). Burnes isn’t about to turn 40. He should have at least a half-decade of ace-level output left in the tank before New York becomes concerned about his longevity. Pitching injuries can strike at any time, but Burnes has been a model of consistency in recent seasons. He’s on track for his fourth straight season of at least 28 starts and his fifth consecutive top-10 finish in Cy Young voting.
As Heyman observes, the Mets’ pitching staff is ready to undergo a significant overhaul. Luis Severino, Jose Quintana, and Sean Manaea are all free agents at the end of the season. New York has the money to re-sign them all, but the Mets’ rotation hasn’t been the most dependable in recent seasons. A change of pace could be good, especially if it means putting Burnes and Kodai Senga at the head of New York’s five-man lineup.
This is another opportunity for the Mets to take it to the Yankees. Imagine if the Mets snatched Juan Soto from Yankee Stadium, only to replace him with the Yankees’ chosen big-money option. It’s a wonderful notion.
