The Mets fairytale season came to an end Sunday evening in Los Angeles. Going up against an objectively better team, New York’s magic ran out as the Mets lost the NLCS in six games to the Dodgers.
It ended what was truly a magical run for this ballclub. Starting the season abysmally, no one expected them to not only get into the playoffs, but also take down two division winners (Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies) en route to the Championship Series. Mark Vientos has established himself as one of the game’s most promising players. Francisco Lindor played at an elite level for most of the season. There are some positive signs from youngsters Luisangel Acuna and Francisco Alvarez. Manager Carlos Mendoza also did a great job and should be commended.
While all of the above is true, this is still a team with a considerable amount of holes. In short order, plenty of work must be done. A good chunk of the position players on this roster would be classified as either platoon types or high-end reserves. An injection of youth within the lineup would do wonders, as would adding a couple of proven everyday bats. Assuming Acuna starts at second base next season, the Mets could use some major improvements in the outfield. Tyrone Taylor best-case scenario should be a reserve outfielder — not a guy starting playoff games.
The pitching is a major question mark heading into next year. Jose Quintana and Luis Severino are free agents. Sean Manaea has a player option, but will almost certainly opt out for a bigger bag. Kodai Senga did not look like the Senga we saw a year ago during this postseason. We will give him the benefit of the doubt considering he was working his way back from injury. Even then, the Mets need to get him right.
From there, there’s the expected crop of free agents on this roster. The most notable one is Pete Alonso. The Mets never were able to agree on an extension during the year. Alonso had some notable postseason moments, including a couple of massive homers versus the Brewers, Phillies, and Dodgers respectively. The soon-to-be 30-year-old has had a great career in New York. To date, he’s hit 226 HRs since debuting in 2019. He won the Rookie of the Year Award that season and has made four All-Star teams.
At the same time, he’s a below-average fielder and a guy that doesn’t hit for average. Alonso also is a lock to hit at least 30 HRs and drive in 100 RBIs. The question is whether New York wants to commit long-term money to a guy who probably won’t age well. Alonso has the look of someone who perhaps will become a full-time DH sooner rather than later.
If Alonso walks, one option could involve moving Vientos to first base, with Brett Baty ready to take over at third. The Mets need depth in the rotation — though it’s anyone’s guess as to how much it’ll cost to re-sign the duo of Severino and Manaea. Corbin Burnes will be available for Uncle Stevie Cohen to try and sign. The likes of JD Martinez, Harrison Bader, Jesse Winker, and Ryne Stanek are also free agents. I’d be surprised if any came back to Flushing.
Knowing the team needs a jolt of high-end talent, the big fish worth pursuing is Juan Soto. About to turn 26 years of age, he will be the premier player on the market, and the type of talent that doesn’t come around all too often. The Mets have deep enough pockets to be competitive here. Additionally, snatching him away from the Yankees would be satisfying on several levels. Soto is the type of pillar needed to get this franchise to the next level. If not Soto or Burnes, Blake Snell will be available.
At the very least, there’s real optimism percolating through this franchise — and for good reason. They’ve got a competent front office, an owner willing to spend, and some nice pieces to build around.