The Winter Meetings are underway, and the New York Mets are looking to solidify the back end of their bullpen, among other areas. Two relievers linked to New York are Robert Suarez and Pete Fairbanks.

Jun 30, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Pete Fairbanks (29) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Athletics at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Report: Mets Inquiring About Free Agent Closers Robert Suarez, Pete Fairbanks

The hard truth may be that the Mets have already solved their closer situation after signing Devin Williams to a three-year deal. However, that remains unlikely at this time.

Most signs, if not all, point to a pivot if the team is unable to bring back star closer Edwin Díaz, who has pitched the last six seasons in New York.

The Mets want the 31-year-old All-Star back, but at their price. According to multiple sources, the club prefers a three-year deal, while Díaz’s camp continues to push for five. That remains the primary sticking point between the two sides, as one would expect an agreement to be in place if Díaz were willing to accept four years.

In the meantime, the Mets are keeping in contact with Robert Suarez and Pete Fairbanks in case Diaz departs elsewhere. “I don’t get the sense that a resolution is too near on this one,” said SNY Insider Andy Martino regarding Díaz and the Mets.

UPDATE

The Mets are talking to relievers Robert Suarez and Pete Fairbanks, per @martinonyc pic.twitter.com/YSCNfQj0Ph

— SleeperMets (@SleeperMets) December 7, 2025

 

Outfield Plan

Executives around the league expect the Mets, at the bare minimum, to get an outfielder or a first baseman. Landing either would decrease the team’s likelihood of continuing to pursue the other position, though they may still pursue both. One name in particular has stood out recently: Houston Astros center fielder Jake Meyers.

Meyers, 29, has garnered interest from the Mets, as well as the Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays, according to Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic.

The 29-year-old, who turns 30 next June, isn’t necessarily a household name, but the defensive standout is coming off a strong all-around season. In 381 trips to the plate, Meyers hit .292/.354/.373 with a career-best 8.1% walk rate and career-low 17.6% strikeout rate. He hit three home runs, 15 doubles, and two triples, and added 16 steals in 21 attempts.

The Astros are open to fielding offers for Meyers in exchange for rotation help, specifically a controllable major-league starter. One name who fits that bill is Kodai Senga, whom the Mets are reportedly trying to trade.

While Meyers would certainly align with David Stearns’ “run prevention” philosophy, other outfielders, including Luis Robert Jr., Byron Buxton, Wilyer Abreu, and Jarren Duran, remain in play. On the free-agent market, Cody Bellinger continues to draw interest from the Mets and could also address first base, if necessary. Kyle Tucker, expected to command the largest deal in the class, does not appear to be an option.

 

Starting Pitching: Free Agency or Trade?

There are many ways the Mets can address their biggest need. Among the top arms in free agency are Framber Valdez, Michael King, Ranger Suárez, and Japanese import Tatsuya Imai. The Mets are reportedly interested in King and have checked in on Suárez, while viewing Valdez as a top target, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.

However, New York Post insider Jon Heyman believes the Mets are more likely to trade for a starter than sign one. Trade candidates include Freddy Peralta – who has a relationship with David Stearns – along with divisional rivals MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals and Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported earlier this week that the Twins are “not planning” to trade Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez, while Heyman also noted that Imai does not appear to be at the forefront for the Mets.

 

Main Photo Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images