The New York Mets knew their work was cut out for them during this free agency.
With some of their top players set to hit the open market, the Mets needed to open the checkbook.
After losing ace Jacob deGrom to the Texas Rangers, the Mets replaced him by signing Justin Verlander.
Despite being 40 years old next season, Verlander has shown no signs of slowing down.
He will be relied on heavily to fill the hole left by deGrom.
With plenty of top free agents still available, here are two areas of need the Mets must fill.
1. Who Will Play Center?
The Mets have relied on Brandon Nimmo to be a cornerstone outfielder over the past few seasons.
But, he is officially a free agent and the Mets are uncertain if they can bring him back.
Nimmo is coming off a career year, where he hit .274 with 16 home runs, 64 RBI, and 102 runs scored.
His market will be large with plenty of teams looking for a left-handed outfielder.
If the Mets cannot bring back Nimmo they must pivot to another veteran.
One player that interests them is Kevin Kiermaier.
Mets will consider Kevin Kiermaier if they are unable to re-sign Brandon Nimmo
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 6, 2022
The former Tampa Bay Ray is one of the best outfielders in the MLB, but his bat leaves a lot to be desired.
He is a career .248 hitter with a career-high of 15 home runs.
2. Sign One More Starting Pitcher
After losing deGrom, Chris Bassitt, and Taijuan Walker, to free agency, the Mets need to replenish their staff.
Joining Verlander on the Mets will be lefty Jose Quintana.
The Mets should be in the market for one more middle-of-the-rotation pitcher.
“I don’t think the Mets are totally done pitching wise.”
After losing Jacob deGrom, the Mets have reloaded their rotation reportedly bringing in Justin Verlander and José Quintana 👀#MLBNHotStove | @LaurenShehadi | @jonmorosi pic.twitter.com/2MLvdaXhAG
—MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 7, 2022
Bringing back Bassitt is an option for New York and he would fill a massive need.
But, no one knows where Bassitt is planning to sign.
So the Mets may have to pivot to someone like Nathan Eovaldi, Corey Kluber, or Ross Stripling.
As you can see the starting pitcher market has thinned out considerably.
Making it all the more important that the Mets make a splash move soon.
