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Mets Face Significant Offseason Turnover as Free Agents Weigh Their Future.

Mets Face Significant Offseason Turnover as Free Agents Weigh Their Future

As the New York Mets prepare for an offseason filled with key decisions, many of their soon-to-be free agents are expressing a desire to return. Following a strong postseason run that brought them close to the World Series, several players spoke highly of the team’s clubhouse culture. However, despite the camaraderie, the Mets are likely to undergo considerable roster changes, with as many as 13 players eligible for free agency, including some not featured on the National League Championship Series roster.

Among the notable free agents is star slugger Pete Alonso, but the pitching staff will also see key departures. Here’s a look at some of the Mets’ most prominent free agents.

Pete Alonso

Alonso, a cornerstone of the Mets franchise, has frequently expressed his love for New York and his desire to remain with the team. However, with his recent decision to hire super-agent Scott Boras, known for testing the open market, his future with the Mets remains uncertain. While a return is possible, as seen with Brandon Nimmo re-signing after hiring Boras, Alonso’s free agency poses a significant decision for the Mets’ front office.

The Mets’ gamble on Sean Manaea paid off and now the pitcher is set to profit, too. Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Imagn Images)

Sean Manaea

Manaea was one of the Mets’ most successful offseason signings, transforming into the team’s ace. After signing a two-year deal with a player option, Manaea revamped his pitching style, adding velocity and making adjustments that led to a career-best season. He is expected to decline his $13.5 million player option for 2025 and test free agency, where he will likely seek a lucrative multi-year deal.

Luis Severino

Severino, another pitching success story, enjoyed a resurgence in 2024 after several injury-plagued seasons. Thanks to the Mets’ coaching staff, he developed new pitching tools, including a two-seam fastball, and posted solid numbers with a 3.91 ERA across 182 innings. Now a free agent, Severino is positioned for a multi-year contract as he looks to continue his career at age 31.

Jesse Winker

Winker’s midseason acquisition from the Mariners proved valuable for the Mets, as the left-handed outfielder and designated hitter delivered a bounce-back performance. Winker has expressed his desire to return, calling his time with the Mets a “dream come true.” However, with other teams likely offering more years or money, his future remains uncertain.

J.D. Martinez

Veteran designated hitter J.D. Martinez, 37, is contemplating his future in the game. While still passionate about playing, he is realistic about his options. Despite producing solid contact and hitting 16 home runs in 2024, Martinez wasn’t a regular in the Mets’ lineup late in the season. He remains open to returning if the right opportunity presents itself.

Harrison Bader

Bader, who provided the Mets with elite defense in center field, stayed healthy throughout the 2024 season. However, his offensive struggles down the stretch saw him lose playing time. The Mets could move in another direction in center field, with options like Brandon Nimmo or prospect Drew Gilbert.

Ryne Stanek

Stanek became a key part of the Mets’ bullpen after joining at the trade deadline. He thrived in high-leverage situations and is expected to attract attention on the free-agent market for another one-year deal.

Other Notable Free Agents

Veteran relievers Adam Ottavino, Brooks Raley, and Drew Smith are also set to enter free agency, though both Raley and Smith are expected to miss most or all of the 2025 season due to injuries. While Ottavino missed the NLCS roster, he has expressed interest in continuing his playing career and may explore other opportunities.

The Mets face a challenging offseason, with several key players potentially moving on. How they approach these decisions will shape their roster for the 2025 season and beyond.

(Top photo of Jesse Winker: Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images)

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