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Mets Add Player in Free Agency on Monday
Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

The New York Mets missed out on the MLB playoffs in 2025, finishing with an 83–79 record under manager Carlos Mendoza. While the Mets finished above .500, the team clearly is not good enough to compete in its current state, as they went 28–37 after the All-Star break.

With David Stearns entering his third offseason as president of baseball operations, the Mets are expected to be aggressive in reshaping the roster.

Pitching depth remains a priority, especially after a season plagued by injuries and inconsistency. The front office is also weighing long-term decisions around first baseman Pete Alonso, who is entering free agency, while exploring upgrades across the infield and outfield.

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64)© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

On Monday, the Mets signed versatile offensive player Jose Rojas to a minor league deal with an invitation to MLB camp, according to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo. If Rojas makes the major league roster, he would earn an $820,000 incentive.

Rojas spent the 2025 season with the New York Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate, where he was outstanding. Across 124 appearances, the 32-year-old journeyman posted a .287 batting average, .379 on-base percentage, .978 OPS, 32 home runs and 105 RBIs.

Rojas was originally selected by the Angels in the 36th round of the 2016 MLB Draft and spent several years developing in their system. He previously appeared in 83 big-league games for Los Angeles during the 2021–22 seasons, but struggled at the plate, hitting just .188 with a .245 OBP, .584 OPS and six home runs.

Despite those early struggles, the Mets are betting on the version of Rojas who dominated Triple-A pitching last year. His left-handed bat and defensive versatility could make him a valuable bench piece, especially if injuries or roster turnover create opportunities during the season.

With several roster holes to address and a fan base hungry for postseason relevance, the Mets enter the winter with urgency. Whether through trades or free agent signings, the next few months will be critical in determining how competitive this team can be in 2026.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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