The Mets are reportedly hiring A.J. Ellis as major-league strategy coordinator, per The Athletic, though it isn't official yet. The former catcher played 11 MLB seasons and was on Andy Green's 2018 Padres team, so David Stearns adds an on-field voice to the analytics. 📊
The Mets are hiring former catcher A.J. Ellis as a strategy coordinator on the major league staff, per Will Sammon of The Athletic. Ellis was most recently a Padres special assistant to the GM, and he has a San Diego history with manager Andy Green. 🧠
Mets are being encouraged to pursue Rangers lefty Mackenzie Gore as a rotation-depth trade idea, a second addition behind a top-of-market arm. With Nolan McLean as a possible No. 1, the pitch is to add depth rather than rely on one starter. 🎯
Juan Soto to first base remains the Mets' looming offseason question, and the team shows no sign of making that switch. Calf injuries in 2026 and a thin free-agent outfield market (Suzuki, Arozarena, Happ) strengthen the case. 🧤
Steamer's initial 2027 projections slot the Mets sixth overall at 41 WAR. The offense ranks fourth (25.3 WAR), while pitching sits 17th (15.7 WAR). These are 50th-percentile projections, so the middle of the range, not a forecast. 📊
Mets signed infielder Christian Cairo, 25, to a major league contract with a 40-man spot. Claimed from the Phillies in September, he brings on-base skills and positional versatility, and he's expected to compete for a 2027 utility/bench role. 🧰
Mets international free agent profile: Kaima Taira, the 26-year-old Seibu right-hander, led NPB with a 1.36 ERA over 146.0 innings in 2026. His cutter is his best pitch, and he sits 95-97 mph as a starter. 5'8" with a "Sea Demon" nickname. 🌊
Ronny Mauricio's power carried over: after three homers in the Mets' last two regular-season games, he homered in his Dominican Winter League debut for Licey. He went 1-for-4 with two RBIs at third base in an 8-3 loss. 💥
Ronny Mauricio keeps the power going: after three homers in the Mets' last two regular-season games, he homered in his Dominican Winter League opener, going 1-for-4 with two RBIs. Luis Torrens played right field in Venezuela. 🔥
MLB's latest CBA proposal would phase in a salary cap and floor in 2028, and the MLBPA is still opposed. For the Mets, offseason priorities reportedly center on pitching, plus where they stand on Japanese free agent Teruaki Sato. Free agency season is here. 🧢
Rays picked up Drew Rasmussen's $20M option, and Erik Neander has "every intention" of keeping him but didn't rule out a trade. Mets could be a fit for rotation help, but any deal is speculation at this point. 🎯
Tom Brennan's Mets top five: Jefferson Rojas, Mitch Voit, Billy Amick, Jonathan Santucci and Emilien Pitre, with all five seen as possible 2028 starters. He also notes Tylor Megill, sitting 96-97 mph in bullpen sessions, aims to be 100% by spring training.
Mets reportedly plan to make starting pitching their main free-agent focus this offseason, per The New York Times. Teruaki Sato is unlikely to get a big splash from them, so the arms come first and the slugger doesn't. ⚾
Ahead of the lockout, the Mets reportedly are shifting to pitching. With Bo Bichette back in the fold, they seem less inclined to chase INF Teruaki Sato, and are expected to explore every starting pitching avenue, with Tarik Skubal a possible target. ⚾
MLB's proposed $258.2M cap (with a $180.2M floor) would squeeze the Mets, whose projected payroll sits at $281.7M. Short, high-AAV deals like Manaea's and Polanco's would be harder to pull off, and Stearns might have to stretch contracts longer. 💰
Heading into 2027, the Mets have holes everywhere: back-end rotation, a thinned-out bullpen, first base, second base and DH. Fans can't agree on which to fix first, though a few would nominate the GM chair. Swiss cheese, with a payroll. 🧀
Heading into next week's GM meetings, the Mets have holes to fix after a 73-win season, notably at catcher (Alvarez vs. a stronger-gloved Torrens) and first base, where Jared Young got most of the time. Bichette's option is the lone early win. 🔧
Free agency is open, and the Mets, coming off a 74-win 2026, have a long to-do list. Tarik Skubal tops it, with the Dodgers as rivals, and first base is next after Jorge Polanco started just two games there. 🔍
Mets rumor mill: Trevor Megill (Brewers), Mackenzie Gore (Rangers) and Spencer Torkelson (Tigers) are floated as possible trade fits to boost the bullpen, rotation and first base. Nothing is reported as agreed; it's speculation. 🔍
Jim Bowden of The Athletic suggests Jake Bauers would be a "perfect fit" at first base for the Mets, citing his power bat and on-base skills. It's a suggestion, not a reported pursuit. Bauers hit 26 homers for Milwaukee, and first base was a hole after Alonso's exit. ⚾
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