Mets Named ‘Perfect Fit’ For Two Top Free Agents Projected to Earn $357M
After finishing two wins shy of the 2024 World Series, the New York Mets are expected to be one of baseball’s most active teams this winter. President of baseball operations David Stearns is busy courting outfielder Juan Soto, but first baseman Pete Alonso and starting pitcher Corbin Burnes fit perfectly on New York’s roster.
While Soto would be a huge offensive upgrade, he doesn’t play a position that’s currently a glaring need for the Mets. There’s a big hole at first base with Alonso hitting the open market. The rotation also needs help since Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana and Luis Severino are free agents.
Regardless of whether the Mets can sign Soto to what could be a record-breaking deal, Stearns needs to address those other areas. Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly thinks Burnes and Alonso are “the perfect fit” for New York.
Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
The 30-year-old ace has been linked to the Mets since free agency opened. Stearns and Burnes crossed paths for several years with the Milwaukee Brewers, so there’s a sense of familiarity.
The right-hander has started at least 28 games each year since 2021 and has posted a 2.94 ERA with 858 strikeouts in his last 757 innings. Pairing him at the top of the Mets’ rotation with Kodai Senga would give manager Carlos Mendoza a solid one-two punch. The Athletic’s Tim Britton projects Burnes will sign a seven-year, $217 million deal.
New York is quite familiar with Alonso, who has been smashing baseballs for the club since 2019. He’s slugged 226 homers since his Rookie of the Year campaign, which already ranks third in franchise history. The right-handed slugger has never finished a full season with fewer than 34 homers or 88 RBI. That’s vital production for any lineup to depend on.
It could be tricky committing nine figures to a first baseman heading into his age-30 season, but it’s a risk the Mets can easily afford to do. Britton projects a five-year, $140 million deal for the Polar Bear.
More MLB: Yankees’ Juan Soto Predicted to Sign $611 Million Mega Deal With Crosstown Rival
