Mets’ Checklist for the 2024 MLB Winter Meetings: Key Moves to Make and Areas to Address
As the New York Mets head into the 2024 MLB Winter Meetings, the focus will be on enhancing a roster that finished with a 75-87 record in 2023. The Mets, who entered last season with high hopes following a busy offseason in 2022, will need to make significant changes to reestablish themselves as playoff contenders in the National League.
With the off-season providing an opportunity for general manager Billy Eppler and team owner Steve Cohen to reshape the roster, the Winter Meetings will serve as a crucial time to set the tone for the team’s future. The Mets’ checklist for the meetings will be comprehensive, addressing areas in both pitching and hitting, along with improving team chemistry and leadership dynamics. Here’s a closer look at the key priorities for the Mets in 2024:
1. Strengthen the Starting Rotation
A primary focus for the Mets in the winter will be to bolster their starting rotation, especially after the departure of veteran pitcher Justin Verlander in a trade to the Houston Astros. Verlander’s departure leaves a void in the rotation, and with the uncertainty surrounding Max Scherzer’s performance and health, the Mets will need to secure a top-tier starting pitcher to anchor their staff.
The Mets should prioritize adding a front-line starter to pair with ace Kodai Senga, who had an impressive debut season in New York. Names like Blake Snell, who is coming off a Cy Young-caliber season with the San Diego Padres, could be a valuable target. Other potential free-agent options include veterans like Jameson Taillon, or even a trade for a proven starter from a contending team looking to shed salary.
Beyond an ace-caliber pitcher, the Mets also need depth. Injuries plagued their rotation last year, and adding reliable arms capable of filling in during spot starts or providing consistency over a full season is essential.
2. Revamp the Bullpen
The Mets’ bullpen struggled in 2023, finishing with a bottom-half ERA among MLB teams. Relievers like David Robertson and Brooks Raley were inconsistent, and Edwin Díaz, one of the league’s top closers, was sidelined for most of the year after a spring training injury.
A major item on the Mets’ checklist will be improving bullpen depth and consistency. This could involve securing high-leverage arms for the late innings, perhaps targeting free agents such as Josh Hader or Rafael Montero, both of whom have experience closing out games.
Additionally, the Mets will need to identify some potential bounce-back candidates or under-the-radar arms who can thrive in New York’s high-pressure environment. Billy Eppler and his team will need to scout players who can provide stability and depth to a bullpen that, at times, has been a weak point.
3. Improve the Infield Defense and Offense
While the Mets boast a talented infield, including Francisco Lindor at shortstop and Pete Alonso at first base, some areas remain unsettled, particularly at second base and third base. Eduardo Escobar, who struggled offensively in 2023, is a potential non-tender candidate. The Mets should explore upgrading at these positions to strengthen both the defense and offense.
Free-agent options like Jeimer Candelario (third base) and Brandon Drury (second base) could be enticing targets. These players provide reliable bats and could serve as potential upgrades over the current roster, especially in the wake of Escobar’s decline.
On top of that, the Mets will also need to evaluate their internal options, including top prospects such as Brett Baty, who is expected to take on a larger role in 2024. Baty showed flashes of potential in his rookie season and could solidify third base if he continues to improve. However, the team may want to bring in a veteran presence to help stabilize the infield situation in the short term.
4. Outfield and DH Spot
The Mets’ outfield was another area of concern in 2023, with significant underperformance from key players like Starling Marte and Mark Canha. Marte, while a dynamic player when healthy, dealt with injuries that hindered his production. Canha was inconsistent and could be a trade candidate to free up salary.
With the designated hitter (DH) role being available, the Mets may look for a power bat to add to the lineup. Players like J.D. Martinez or Jorge Soler could provide the kind of slugging presence that the team lacked last year. This could also be a way to keep older players like Marte healthy while maximizing their offensive contributions.
A trade for a high-impact outfielder could also be in the cards. Players like Cody Bellinger (who is coming off a strong rebound year) or Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates could fit the bill. Both offer solid defense and dynamic bat profiles that would be an immediate upgrade for the Mets.
5. Reinforce the Leadership and Culture
After a season that saw significant underperformance, the Mets will need to assess their clubhouse culture. There were whispers in 2023 about a lack of leadership, and the team’s struggles down the stretch seemed to reflect an absence of chemistry and unity.
Billy Eppler and team management should consider bringing in a seasoned leader, either in the form of a veteran player or a new coaching staff addition. A strong presence could help stabilize the clubhouse and provide the emotional leadership the team needs to succeed.
Moreover, with the departure of key figures like Verlander and Scherzer, there’s a need to ensure that the pitching staff remains motivated and cohesive. The Winter Meetings could be a time to pursue players with high character and leadership qualities, someone like Matt Carpenter or even former Mets players with the potential to mentor younger guys.
6. Monitor Internal Player Development
In addition to external acquisitions, the Mets will need to focus on developing their internal talent. While the team has an impressive array of prospects, including Baty, Vientos, and Mauricio, it is crucial that the Mets ensure their young players are properly developed and integrated into the major league roster.
The Winter Meetings could be a time to discuss the future of these young players. Should they be regular contributors, or will the Mets look to trade them for immediate upgrades? The decision on how to balance player development and short-term success will be one of the most important for the front office.
7. Explore Trades for Impact Players
The Mets may not only target free agents but also explore the trade market to improve their roster. With several key players under contract for multiple years (like Alonso and Lindor), they have flexibility in terms of making impactful trades without having to overhaul the entire roster.
One trade target could be a high-upside pitcher or a top-tier outfielder. If the Mets are looking to win now, acquiring a player like Mike Trout (if available) or Marcus Stroman could inject both star power and production into a team with aspirations of contending.
Conclusion: Setting the Foundation for 2024
The 2024 MLB Winter Meetings will be a pivotal time for the New York Mets. With a roster that needs significant improvement in both pitching and hitting, the Mets have a long to-do list for the offseason. Strengthening the starting rotation, revamping the bullpen, upgrading the infield and outfield, reinforcing team leadership, and monitoring their internal player development are all crucial steps to ensure that the Mets are competitive in the coming season.
While much of the focus will be on big-ticket free-agent signings and trades, the Mets must also take a long-term approach to ensure they build a sustainable and successful roster. With the right moves, the 2024 Mets could be poised to bounce back and challenge for a playoff spot. The Winter Meetings will set the course for what could be a critical year in New York’s pursuit of another championship.
