The 2021 Season is closing and has been over for a long time for The New York Mets. Steve Cohen has come out and said he is looking to open up that wallet he keeps talking about and reaching the luxury tax just to bring back a few guys. This leads me to believe Baez, Loup, Hand, Pillar Syndergaard and Familia will be coming back. These are the guys who, in my opinion, will most definitely be coming back next year. I want to acknowledge that all the free agents I am about to list will be assuming those guys come back.
- Robbie Ray – LHP, TOR
Robbie Ray is a left pitcher who was in talks for the Cy-Young in 2021. He led the AL with a 2.84 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP striking out 248 batters in 193.1 IP in 32 starts. Assuming Marcus Stroman will be going elsewhere and get paid a gillion dollars. Robbie Ray can step into this rotation and help deGrom out at the top of this rotation that does not have any depth at all. The rotation would be deGrom-Ray-Walker-Syndergaard-Megill. Yes, Noah is more than likely going to start the season on the back of this rotation because he hasn’t had a full start in about 2 years. He can work his way back to being our 3 guy. Joey Fuego also could make a bid at making the rotation if he pitches the way he did in the few starts before he got hurt.
2. Nick Castellanos – OF, CIN
Yes. I have Castellanos over Marte and I would prefer him over Bryant. With Michael Conforto leaving, we will need someone who can play in the outfield. Castellanos would provide a consistent bat in this lineup that would tremendously help out with getting guys on base and brining them in to score. I know he does have defensive struggles, but he is a step up from Dom Smith – who could be used in a trade for a more premier outfielder. Khalil Lee had a terrible stint in the Majors last season where he batted .056 in 11 games striking out on 13 of his 18 plate appearances. Lee also showed VERY promising talent in the outfield that The Mets and posted some impressive numbers in AAA which with a weak outfield, could earn him a spot on this roster – especially if the universal DH will be coming back to the NL.
3. Kris Bryant – 3B SF/CHI
I know what you are thinking “Bryant as the third traget?! Behind Castellanos?!” Very understandable argument. My argument will be for The Mets to not bring in too many infielders as they have very talented infielders in the minors – 3B : Brett Baty (Played a little outfield last year) SS: Ronny Mauricio. Baty and Mauricio are guys who could make this roster late in the season. I would hate to see The Mets have to wait for these guys to come to the bigs to sign huge contracts. With all of this being said I will say this, If Baez does not return – Bryant becomes the number one target for this team. I know this was an argument not to get him. Dude is still a stud and would be our 3 hitter. So I would be over the moon ecstatic. I just don’t think I real;ly need to explain why.
4. Buster Posey
I hate McCann. He’s gotta be an every other day guy – not an every day guy. Posey gives him that freedom with giving the lineup and bench some help. He is also a little older, but the Mets Number 1 prospect Francisco Alvarez is looking like an absolutle stud and could be called up in 2023/2024.
If The Mets can Bring in these guys. The Lineup would be GOOD (I will also assume there is no DH):
CF: Brandon Nimmo
SS: Francisco Lindor
3B: Kris Bryant
1B: Pete Alonso
LF: Nick Castellanos
2B: Javy Baez
C: Buster Posey/James McCann
RF: Lee/Pillar
P: Jacob deGrom – Robbie Ray – Taijuan Walker – Noah Syndergaard – Tylor Megill
A Fan With A Mic 