The New York Mets own wealth. The Mets recently paid $374 million in player wages in 2023, so we know this. It did not turn out to be what they had hoped for.
Owner Steve Cohen could have been better served giving part of that money to season ticket holders for the holidays. However, the Mets must take some action in order to get ready for 2024.
These are the three things the Mets ought to get when they open their Christmas presents.
ANSWERS ABOUT PETE ALONSO
The first baseman’s arbitration year is about to end. He has the option to sign a new contract as a free agent after the 2024 campaign. Maybe that’s what he desires. That’s probably what his agency is hoping for. In October, by the way, he brought on Scott Boras. All you ought to know is that.
The Mets have appointed Carlos Mendoza as manager and David Stearns as president of baseball operations since the end of the season. Stearns probably wants to move the franchise in a different direction. It remains to be seen how different that path will be and whether Alonso will be included or not.
The Mets’ supporters would really like some clarity for Christmas, such as the option to trade, extend, or inform him that this will be his final year in New York.
BLAKE SNELL SIGN
Yoshinobu Yamamoto was passed over by the Mets despite their best efforts to recruit him, including matching the Los Angeles Dodgers’ $325 million offer.
However, the Mets continue to struggle a little bit with starting pitching. There isn’t much of an experienced pitcher on which to develop. They had Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer in the previous season. The Mets gave them up after they made the decision to concentrate on 2025.
Snell would take on that role. Snell has pitched in the Major Leagues, won games, and taken home two Cy Young awards, in contrast to Yamamoto. He actually won the NL Cy Young award with the San Diego Padres, therefore he is currently the current winner.
That issue would be resolved by signing Snell. Furthermore, his current cost would be lower than Yamamoto’s.
ENSURE THAT THE YOUNG PEOPLE GO ON.
Edwin Diaz’s right knee’s patellar tendon injury kept him out of action for the entire previous campaign. If you’ve been following social media during the offseason, you are aware that Diaz is getting closer to being prepared to take over as closer in 2024.
In the meantime, rookie catcher Francisco Alvarez, who is revamping his swing to raise his hitting average for 2024, has shared some of his offseason workouts on social media.
The Mets will improve because their young players are passionate about improving their health. This offseason, Diaz and Alvarez are leading by example. More of it is what the Mets need.