Latest Mets Notes Ahead of the Winter Meetings

Mets Notes as Winter Meetings Approach

Pete Alonso’s Market

For a second offseason in a row, it does not appear that Pete Alonso’s market is very active. Teams interested in Alonso include the Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Baltimore Orioles. However, there can also be that “surprise team” like a Washington Nationals or Tampa Bay Rays.

Executives across the league view the Mets and Red Sox as the front-runners at the moment. While the Orioles are looking for one big bat this offseason, they aren’t a huge threat to the Mets as opposed to a team like the Red Sox.

With the addition of starting pitcher Sonny Gray, the expectation is that the Red Sox will now look for a prominent bat. Names linked to the Red Sox of that caliber consist of J.T. Realmuto, Kazumo Okamoto, Alonso, and former Boston players Kyle Schwarber and Alex Bregman.

Alex Speier of the Boston Globe writes that the Red Sox are considering adding one player from that group and then “an additional complementary position player.”

If the Red Sox do indeed decide to go that route, this obviously benefits the Mets in a big way. Earlier in the offseason, sources told The New York Post’s Jon Heyman that Alonso is seeking “at least” a seven-year deal. As the offseason moves along, teams have already started driving that number down – and it will likely continue to drop.

New York or Boston?

The Red Sox may be one of the only clubs willing to give Alonso the long-term commitment he’s seeking. With his wife, Haley, being from the Boston area, the fit makes sense on multiple levels. But if Boston passes, Alonso’s leverage – and the likelihood of landing the contract he and agent Scott Boras have targeted – may shrink dramatically.

“Whether a contract comes early or late for me, I know I am going to be playing baseball next year,” said Alonso.

Edwin Díaz

What we know: The relief pitching market has moved quickly recently, specifically with closers. First, it was Raisel Iglesias, who re-signed with the Atlanta Braves on a one-year, $16 million deal. Then on Sunday, former Met Ryan Helsley and the Baltimore Orioles agreed to a two-year, $28 million deal. And Devin Williams is the most recent. Could Díaz be next?

Teams pursuing Díaz, according to multiple sources, include the Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox.

Right now, the Mets still lead the race to sign him, but the Blue Jays and Dodgers remain close behind. The Dodgers, however, aren’t willing to match the contract Díaz wants at the moment – a deal reportedly similar to the five-year, $102 million contract he signed with the Mets back in late 2022. Their hesitance comes from their decision last offseason to give lefty closer Tanner Scott a multi-year deal, a move that backfired when he struggled for most of the season.

The Blue Jays, unlike the Dodgers, have positioned themselves as a “serious threat” to land Díaz. They’ve already shown they’re willing to spend big after signing Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million deal and Cody Ponce to a three-year, $30 million contract. Whether they ultimately sign Díaz or not, they’re clearly involved in the closer market. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports that the Jays aren’t believed to be opposed to moving reliever Jeff Hoffman into a setup role after he gave up 15 homers in the regular season. They’re also exploring Pete Fairbanks as an option – and signing him would almost certainly take them out of the running for Díaz.

Kyle Schwarber

ESPN’s Jeff Passan linked Kyle Schwarber to the Mets, saying they are “in the mix” for the left-handed slugger. The Philadelphia Phillies remain the favorite despite “not being close” in negotiations recently. Teams reportedly in the mix as well include Boston and the Cincinnati Reds. While it remains unlikely the Mets sign him, the 32-year-old would greatly improve the offense, as would be the case for any other team.

In 2025, Schwarber was a machine, hitting 56 home runs, driving in 132 RBI, and finishing with a .928 OPS – ranked fifth in MLB.

Jeff McNeil

Passan gave Jeff McNeil an 80% chance to be traded, following the Mets’ trade for second baseman Marcus Semien. Also, McNeil’s turbulent relationship with fellow infielder Francisco Lindor may have something to do with it. The Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, and Kansas City Royals are potential landing spots for the 33-year-old McNeil.

Joe Ryan/Byron Buxton

Passan links the Mets to Minnesota Twins’ Joe Ryan and Byron Buxton, who both fit the Mets’ needs. Passan gave Ryan a 50% chance of being traded while he gave Buxton a 35% chance – likely due to the no-trade clause in his contract.

Others

Other names Passan linked the Mets to as potential fits are Red Sox outfielders Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, and Pirates starter Mitch Keller. It’s possible one or more big names could be joining the Mets before the Winter Meetings are out.