After the exciting 2022 MLB season, it’s time for the offseason! This is set to be an exciting offseason with some of the biggest names in the game up for grabs. After last year’s huge offseason headlined by Max Scherzer and Freddie Freeman, this one could be just as big. Many big-name stars are entering free agency this winter. Many teams are looking to make huge hits this offseason. Let’s take a look at the first installment of a five-part series about teams that could really benefit from this year’s offseason:

Part 1: The New York Mets

After a great 101-win regular season, the Met’s season ended in heartbreak once again. After being upset by the 89-win San Diego Padres in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, the New York Mets are looking to spend this offseason with Steve Cohen, the owner of the Mets, who is the richest owner in Major League Baseball behind the team. We learned this last year when he signed Max Scherzer to a 3-year-$130 million deal and brought in guys like Starling Marte, Chris Bassit, and Mark Cahna. This offseason they look to put themselves over the top. The first step for them is to re-sign all their players who are now free agents. 

Jacob Degrom is definitely the main focus for the Mets. After coming back from his injury in August, he posted a 3.08 ERA (earned run average) with 102 strikeouts in 64 innings. Degrom would be making $30 million dollars in 2023 with the Mets if he didn’t opt out of his contract. Some would question why he opted out when he is going to get paid $30 million dollars? Last winter, we saw Scherzer, at 37 years old get paid $130 million for three years. Degrom is searching for a similar deal and the Mets are definitely willing to explore that. 

The next target for the Mets is their bullpen. Edwin Diaz became a free agent after the season. The Mets jumped on him quickly and signed him for a record-breaking 5 years-$102 million. This is the highest contract for a reliever in MLB history. This year, Diaz finished with a 1.31 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 62 innings with 32 saves. Having arguably the best closer in baseball in the bullpen was crucial to the Met’s success this year. The Mets have many other bullpen pieces entering free agency this winter like Trevor May, Seth Lugo, Trevor William, and Adam Ottavino. The Mets had the seventh-best bullpen ERA in 2022 and they don’t want to lose their key pitchers. They will also be looking to add depth to their bullpen by adding other solid relievers like Nick Martinez, David Robertson, and more.

The Met’s offense was one of the best in the league this season. With guys like Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, and Francisco Lindor, they need to build a steady lineup around them. The Met’s offense should not be the biggest concern for them. They can stick with fan favorite Brandon Nimmo who becomes a free agent this winter, or they can take their chances on other players like the home run king Aaron Judge. One of weaknesses this season was the catcher’s position. Francisco Alvarez, the number one catching prospect in baseball, was called up to the majors for the last two series of the season however, he is not the best defensive catcher. The Mets plan to keep his big bat in the lineup at the DH(Designated Hitter) position in the 2023 season. All Star catcher Willson Contreras has been in talks with the Mets. The Mets almost snagged him at the trade deadline in August. The trade fell through when the Cubs stated the Mets lack of willingness to give up value. They don’t have many holes in their lineup, so there is not much to do this offseason for the Mets, but little moves on defense and pitching for the Mets could go a very long way. 

Next Up: Part 2-The Texas Rangers (to come)