Mets Emerging as Potential Threat to Sign Star Free Agent

As the New York Mets plot their offseason strategy, strengthening the infield—beyond resolving Pete Alonso’s future at first base—might not top the priority list at first glance.

The club boasts a deep pool of promising young infield talent, each at a comparable stage in their careers and eager to vie for everyday roles at second or third base come 2026. Yet, this very abundance could prompt the front office to target the infield market aggressively this winter.

Mark Vientos fell short of securing the hot corner as widely anticipated during the 2025 campaign. Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and Luiangel Acuña each received chances to step up and claim a permanent spot, but none delivered performances strong enough to lock it down. Jeff McNeil turned in a serviceable year, though his peak production appears to be in the rearview mirror.

Meanwhile, elite prospect Jett Williams looks primed to crack the major league roster by next spring training.

This roster logjam positions several of these players as attractive trade chips heading into the offseason. With the potential for a substantial haul in return, it’s plausible that at least one departs via trade—creating an opening for the Mets to pursue a premier infielder through free agency.

In a recent article, The Athletic’s MLB insider Jim Bowden identified the Mets as a potential landing spot in free agency for Toronto Blue Jays infielder and two-time All-Star Bo Bichette.