Some good and bad news has emerged about the New York Mets’ attempts to land an ace pitcher this offseason, as well as bring back All-Star closer Edwin Diaz.
A lot of Mets fans are focused on whether fan-favorite homegrown All-Star Pete Alonso will be back in Queens next season. The slugger opted out of his deal to test his value again in MLB free agency and is sure to have much more interest this year than last. However, he is not the only top player New York is in danger of losing.
Advertisement
All-Star closer Edwin Diaz also opted out of the record-breaking pact he signed two years ago. After another brilliant season, he will have some notable suitors this offseason. According to USA TODAY MLB insider Bob Nightengale, one of them could be the uber-wealthy Los Angeles Dodgers.
The veteran insider notes $87 million is coming off the books for LA this offseason, and they are sure to be aggressive in free agency again, as they have a stud closer near the top of their wishlist.
However, he also mentions that Diaz’s five-year, $100 million rumored asking price could keep him on the market well passed Thanksgiving. Giving New York more time to figure out if another big deal for Diaz makes sense for them.
Advertisement
Is Sandy Alcantara also off the trade block?
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Another priority for the Mets this offseason is trying to find a true front-line starter for the rotation. A week ago, it seemed like several elite options might be available on the trade market. However, over the last few days, various reports have stated Cy Young winners Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal, as well as Brewers ace Freddy Peralta, are starting 2026 with their current teams.
Well, you can add Sandy Alcantara to that list. “Miami Marlins owner Bruce Sherman has told several staff members he definitely plans to have him on the roster at the start of the 2026 season,” Nightengale reports. He also claims the Reds have no intention of trading young ace Hunter Greene.
Advertisement
While the trade market probably won’t be where New York finds a top of the rotation talent, he seemed to bolster the likelihood it could happen via free agency when he wrote, “The Mets are expected to land at least one high-end starter.”
Related Headlines