What’s up with the Mets? 🍎
The Blue Jays are expected to be the fourth team to meet with LHP Tarik Skubal next week, while at least two mystery teams are also said to be in the running (NY Post)
The Mets have reportedly checked in with LHP Brooks Raley as they look to rebuild their bullpen this offseason, are also showing interest in LHP Alex Vesia and LHP Tim Hill, LHP Darwinzon Hernández and LHP AJ Minter (SNY) | (The Athletic) | (NY Post) | (NY Post)
Rumor Mill 💨
Scott Boras, Tarik Skubal’s agent, held his annual state of the union address and made it clear that the market for his star client is very strong (NY Post)
The Rays are interested in working out an extension for RHP ace Drew Rasmussen (The Athletic)
The Pirates are looking for left-handed pitching to bolster their rotation (The Athletic)
Tigers OF Riley Greene could emerge as an intriguing trade piece this offseason (MLB.com)
The Phillies are looking to go big-game hunting and are showing interest in OF trio Teruaki Sato, Seiya Suzuki, and Randy Arozarena (The Athletic)
The Dodgers are believed to prefer a short-term deal with Tarik Skubal (The Athletic)
Twins C Ryan Jeffers is reportedly going to decline his qualifying offer, with Minnesota still interested in a multi-year reunion (Star-Tribune)
The Just Mets Podcast 🎙️
In a new episode of the Just Mets pod, Rich and Andrew commiserate over Carson Benge’s ROY snub, share their confidence in a Tarik Skubal signing, and pitch their ideal Mets offseason plan.
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What David Stearns’s said at his presser in Vegas ✍️
Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns spoke to the media on Wednesday as the GM Meetings in Las Vegas continue. Here’s what he had to say:
2B Marcus Semien, who struggled on both sides of the ball in 2026, will have to compete for playing time in 2027
Stearns is focusing on whether guys can get hitters out over how they get batters out when building the bullpen for next season, while also adding that the team are looking to sign multiple pitchers
Brett Baty has shown that he can play anywhere for the Mets. Stearns noted how valuable that versatility is, while joking that maybe Baty can play CF in 2027 to complete the set
Jefferson Rojas’ bat is “real,” and it will be up to the prospect to prove to the Mets that he’s ready to play in the big leagues in 2027
Mark Vientos is going into the offseason as “a really motivated player,” and could still have an opportunity with the Mets
Finally, Stearns anticipates a bounceback from certain players in 2027, as well as better health, while he’s excited to add some pieces to what he describes as a “really talented young core.”
Who the Mets should pivot to if they miss out on Tarik Skubal ✍️
It is pretty clear that upgrading pitching will be the biggest priority for the Mets this offseason, and it is already apparent that the team is all in on Tarik Skubal, this offseason’s biggest and shiniest prize.
However, because you can’t win without good pitching, the Mets are going to face some serious stiff competition for one of the best pitchers on the planet.
In other words, there is no way that anyone should think the Mets signing Skubal is a foregone conclusion. There are multiple teams with a lot of money that may be motivated to go above and beyond in order to win the Skubal sweepstakes.
Therefore, it would behoove the Mets to have a pretty solid Plan B and there is one name they should be seriously looking at if they miss out on Skubal…