Mets Free Agents: Re-Sign or Let Walk?
David Stearns and Co. will have a lot of tough decisions to make this winter, with a bunch of key members of the memorable 2024 squad up for free agency. How can you put a price on Candelita? Or the pitcher/hype man who was in charge of holding the OMG sign? The franchise first baseman who picked a playoff pumpkin?
Here is a look at which Mets are free agents and what I think the club should try and do.
Pete Alonso
Playoff pumpkin picker Pete Alonso slashed .240/.329/.459/.788, for the lowest OPS of his career. And then he saved the season with a homer in Milwaukee and posted a .999 postseason OPS. He’s 29. Sluggers historically do not age well, and his defense at first. The thing is he led the Mets—and all MLB first basemen—in home runs with 34. David Stearns’ philosophy hasn’t been to spend money on first baseman. But he’s also been the been the most productive player the Mets have had since he debuted in 2019.
Recommendation: Re-sign.
Sean Manaea
Sean Manaea, 32, isn’t a free agent, but we included him because he has a $13.5 million player option that he is likely to decline. He seemed like a new pitcher after deciding to imitate Chris Sale‘s delivery. He loses points for struggling in Game 6 against the Dodgers, but earns them back and then some for getting choked up talking about it after the game. We want players who care, especially if they pitched to a 3.47 ERA.
Recommendation: Re-sign.
Jose Quintana
Jose Quintana (10-10, 3.75 ERA) was brilliant in September with a 0.72 ERA in four starts. He threw 11 scoreless innings in two playoff starts before facing the Dodgers in Game 4, where he was hit hard. But age probably catches up with the 35-year-old and inconsistency lies ahead, as it did at points in his Mets career.
Recommendation: Let walk.
Luis Severino
Luis Severino (11-7, 3.91 ERA) enjoyed a nice bounce back season after pitching to a 6.65 ERA a year ago with the Yankees. He also took on the important responsibility of monitoring the OMG sign on days he wasn’t pitching. He was OK in his three playoff starts, but his career 4.62 postseason ERA (60.1 innings) is worrisome for a team now looking to make permanent October plans. The Mets could offer him a qualifying offer, too, and get compensation if he signs a long-term deal with another team.
Recommendation: Let walk.
J.D. Martinez
J.D. Martinez hit 16 home runs in 434 at-bats one year after hitting 33 in 432 at-bats for the Dodgers. Red flag. His first career walk-off home run helped turn the tide for the Mets this year, but his performance fell off the map the last couple of months. He was great as a mentor for hitters, but it’s tough to roster a DH in decline.
Recommendation: Let go.
Jesse Winker
Jesse Winker is a player we want on our side. It’s a lot more fun rooting for Winker than against him. He loves this, um, stuff. He may not regain his 2021 All-Star form, but he can be a valuable left-handed bat that is passable in the field.
Recommendation: Re-sign.
Harrison Bader
Harrison Bader provided energy before it was cool in 2024. His .236/.284/.373 slash line is replaceable, but he plays a great center field. This one is tough, because he played a reserve outfield role well. But the Mets also have Tyrone Taylor, and Bader could still command a decent one-year salary.
Recommendation: See how the market plays out.
Phil Maton
Phil Maton (2-1, 2.51 ERA with New York) was a solid midseason acquisition from Tampa Bay, but gave up runs in four of his six playoff outings. He isn’t a free agent, but the Mets have a team option to keep him for $7.75 million. That price might be too steep for a middle reliever, especially as Stearns works to build a bullpen his way.
Recommendation: Let go.
Ryne Stanek
Ryne Stanek (1-0, 6.06 ERA with New York) was a midseason pickup from Seattle who performed well overall in the playoffs (3.38 ERA, eight innings, eight strikeouts, three walks) after a rocky regular season. He showed up in big moments, and when his stuff is on, he can mow down Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts.
Recommendation: Re-sign.
Jose Iglesias
Jose Iglesias, aka Candelita, finished the season on a 22-game hitting streak with a .337 batting average. He showed a slick glove and quick hands in the field, too. But the emergence of Luisangel Acuña and existence of Ronny Mauricio makes it hard to find him a role. He seemed happy that was able to show he still has it. He’ll remain a Mets Legend for life. But he deserve a good MLB deal. That might not be with the Mets.
Recommendation: Let go.
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