David Stearns harped that run prevention, in the field and on the mound, was one of the Mets’ biggest failures in 2025. The Mets’ president of baseball operations noted the team would focus on run prevention in their offseason plans. What this means for the current state of the team is up for debate, but Stearns purposefully left it that way. Anything seems fair game and on the table to help the Mets return to the postseason and win a World Series.

While the postseason is in full swing, the offseason and 2026 season are front and center for Mets fans. One of the team’s main questions is how they can improve, especially with the current free agent market class.

Below are the best options available on the market (including players who have opt-outs and options) who could help improve the Mets’ lineup. Positions are sorted into three categories: biggest need, think about it (possible upgrade) and no change (don’t expect any change).

Harrison Bader, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Biggest Needs
Center Field

Without a doubt, center field was one of the biggest faux pas in 2025. The Mets acquired Jose Siri, hoping he could replicate Harrison Bader‘s role from 2024, but with an added dose of defense. However, Siri suffered a fractured tibia in just the second week of the season and returned in the final weeks, only to be designated for assignment. Tyrone Taylor, Jeff McNeil and Cedric Mullins eventually split time in the position, posting outs above average (OAA) of four (Taylor), three (Mullins) and negative one (McNeil).

The Mets’ center field platoon ranked 20th in OAA (four) in 2025. The Cubs had the best OAA (23) and the Guardians had the worst (negative seven).

Free Agent Upgrades: Luis Robert Jr. (seven OAA in 2025, 12th best in MLB). Robert remains the only center fielder with an OAA greater than a 2025 Met who may hit the FA market. The White Sox hold a $20 million club option on him for 2026. Free agent Harrison Bader posted a (three OAA). Trent Grisham had an offensive resurgence with the Yankees in 2025 but only posted a negative one OAA. 

First Base

One of the biggest questions this offseason for the Mets is first base. Reports emerged Saturday that Pete Alonso is looking for a seven-year deal. If Alonso were to leave the Mets, there is no clear heir to the Polar Bear’s throne. Mark Vientos (if not moved) would be the next man up internally, with Ryan Clifford waiting in the shadows. Alonso put up a negative nine OAA in 2025, second-worst in MLB (a career-worst for Pete) behind the Rockies’ Michael Toglia (-10 OAA).

Free Agent Upgrades: After Alonso, it’s slim pickings. Josh Naylor (two OAA) is the second-best first baseman free agent bat, but Ryan O’Hearn (six OAA) will be the best first baseman defensive upgrade on the market.

Cody Bellinger, Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Think About It
Right Field

Look, there’s no denying that Juan Soto is one of the greatest baseball players of our time. However, he ranked dead last in OAA for a right fielder, along with Nick Castellanos in 2025 (-12). While his arm is above average, he posted his second-worst defensive year since 2022 (-15 OAA). At 26, there’s little doubt the Mets will move him right now to a full-time DH role, but if the team is serious about improving defensively, Soto might see more time in the designated hitter role in 2026.

Free Agent Upgrades: Cody Bellinger (three OAA) is an interesting case. He holds a player option for 2026, which he’ll likely decline to explore a new multi-year contract in a light free agent market. He’s played in big markets, including the Bronx, and can play a handful of positions. More importantly, he can play all three outfield positions, which aligns with Stearns’ defensive versatility. Kyle Tucker, of course, joins the conversation as well, although he posted a negative two OAA in 2025. He’s hit or miss in the field and had an up-and-down 2025 in Chicago.

Third Base

The third base picture is a bit clearer entering the 2026 season. Brett Baty primarily took the helm at the position, posting his best offense season in the big leagues and a positive two OAA at third. Ronny Mauricio, in his limited appearance at third, posted a five OAA and Mark Vientos posted a negative seven. Baty is the clear favorite right now (so it seems) to take the helm, but the Mets may want to make a splash in the free agent market and do some defensive shuffling in the field.

Free Agent Upgrades: Alex Bregman will likely opt out of his contract with the Red Sox. He posted a three OAA at the hot corner and would offer both a defensive and offensive upgrade in the lineup for the Mets. Eugenio Suarez will hit the market, but posted a negative three OAA. Of course, NPB’s Munetaka Murakami will likely be posted and is an intriguing name for the Mets to be in on.

Second Base

Like third base, the Mets have options here. They could move on from Jeff McNeil (four OAA) via trade with Baty’s ability to play second. The team also has Luisangel Acuña (one OAA). If the Mets are committing to their defensive shakeup, a change might be on the horizon here as well.

Free Agent Upgrades: Unfortunately, there is no clear upgrade at second over McNeil. Jorge Polanco (negative four OAA) and Luis Arraez (who has worked as a first baseman the past few seasons) are the standout free agents.

Ha-Seong Kim, Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

No Change
Shortstop

It seems foolish to even shortstop in this. While Francisco Lindor posted a career low in OAA (five) in 2025, he’s one year removed from a Gold Glove nomination. Lindor isn’t going anywhere besides shortstop for the foreseeable future.

Free Agent Upgrades: J.P. Crawford (-12 OAA) won’t be on the Mets’ radar. However, Ha-seong Kim (negative three OAA) will be three years removed from a Gold Glove season as a utility player holds a player opt-out. 2025 was a lost year for the infielder, splitting time with the Rays and Braves, but he can emerge as an intriguing utility player upgrade for the Mets. He posted a four OAA at shortstop in 2024 and a combined nine OAA at shortstop, second base and third base in 2023.

Left Field

Like Lindor, Brandon Nimmo isn’t going anywhere. He posted a net-zero OAA in 2025, and while his defensive ability may be declining with age, he’s showing no signs of slowing down in left field for 2026.

Free Agent Upgrades: To continue with the game, Cody Bellinger (five OAA) and Austin Hays (one OAA, mutual option for 2026) would be the next-best defensive upgrades.

Catcher

Like Nimmo, Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens look to continue to be the one-two behind the plate for the Mets. Alvarez posted a -11 blocks above average, one caught stealing above average and a negative five framing grade in 2025. Torrens, meanwhile, posted a negative one blocks above average, 12 caught stealing above average (best in MLB), and a four framing grade. Alvarez suffered injury after injury and was sent down to Triple-A to work on his fielding mechanics, which improved upon his return.

Free Agent Upgrades: The best catcher on the FA market, without a doubt, is J.T. Realmuto. While he’s 34, he still ranks in the above-average percentiles in all catching categories, although his blocks above average have seen a decline in the past couple of years.