5 blockbuster moves the Mets must make this offseason ft. Mark Vientos

Unconventionally, the New York Mets were the biggest surprise of the 2024 season. Although the club touted the largest payroll in MLB, the 2022 decision to trade Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander led many to believe that the club was undergoing a rebuild. Last year, even departing GM Billy Eppler claimed that he did not expect the team to compete until 2026.

However, after a bumpy start to the season, the Mets found their stride. After qualifying as a Wild Card team, New York bested Milwaukee and Philadelphia before eventually falling to the Dodgers in the NLCS.

If the Mets want to stay competitive in 2025, they will not be able to sit idle this offseason. Here are five moves that billionaire owner Steve Cohen's club can make.

Five offseason moves the New York Mets have to make

5. Upgrade their catcher

The 11 home runs and 47 RBIs hit by catcher Francisco Alvarez were a bargain when it is considered that the Venezuelan made just $763,000 last season. However, for a club like New York, upgrading their backstop is advisable.

The .651 OPS recorded by Mets catchers in 2024 ranked 20th in MLB - not exactly a championship figure. Departing Cincinnati Reds first baseman Ty France has indicated a willingness to play catcher. France, a former 20-homer hitter, or a bat like him, will help foment offense and serve as a solid mentor for the young Alvarez.

4. Acquire an ace like Corbin Burnes

Since 2022, the Mets have dealt with a revolving door of starting pitchers. The only relative constant has been Kodai Senga - who missed almost all of 2024 anyway.

"NEWS: The Mets are “eyeing” Corbin Burnes, per @JonHeyman" - Mets Batflip

In departing Baltimore Orioles starter Corbin Burnes, the Mets have a good fit. A former Cy Young winner who went 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA last season, the Mets have enough money to make a play for Burnes, or another Cy Young-worthy starter.

3. Mark Vientos

Third baseman Mark Vientos had an incredible postseason for New York, hitting .327/.362/.636 with 5 home runs and 14 RBIs in 13 games. However, the truth remains that the 24-year-old's trade value is probably the highest that it ever will be.

Vientos' .266 average and 27 home runs in 2024 were highly respectable. However, it is clear that the Mets want to win now. Vientos, not arbitration-eligible until 2027, would be good bait for teams looking to shed established infielders in favor of young talent. The Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers are two clubs that come to mind.

2. Pay Pete Alonso

Ever since he made his MLB debut in 2019, first baseman Pete Alonso has been strung along on a series of one-year deals. A former Rookie of the Year who has led MLB in both homers and RBIs before, expect some big-name contenders to stake their interest.

"PETE ALONSO!!!!!!!!!!!!! #postseason" - MLB

However, Alonso is a lifelong Met and has spoken of his affinity for Queens. Set to turn 30 on December 7, New York could kick off Alonso's third decade by giving him the deal he has been hoping for.

1. Juan Soto

Although New York was originally seen as a long shot to sign free agent darling Juan Soto - it looks as though their case is gaining steam. Earlier this week, writer Mark Rodriguez penned a post in which he detailed the reasons why Soto would fit in in Queens.

"Today is a great day for Juan Soto to sign with the New York Mets" - BINK

Unlike the New York Yankees - Soto's most recent club - the Mets have a small list of true 'franchise greats.' Soto, still only 26, has more than enough time to become the face of the franchise. While signing the superstar Dominican will not be cheap, the Mets are lucky enough to be one of the few teams that do not need to worry about that.