NY Mets: Re-ranking the team’s upcoming free agents

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CINCINNATI, OHIO – JULY 19: Jerad Eickhoff #43 of the New York Mets looks on in the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 19, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Entering the season, the New York Mets had a lot on the line. There were high expectations to open the Steve Cohen era on a high note, given their young core and Cy Young frontrunner. However, for those who are set to hit free agency following the season, the stakes were higher.

For the ten players who could hit the open market, they knew they would be playing for their next contract in 2021. After all, with the Cohen era comes plenty of money to go around. Except, not everyone will receive a lucrative contract.

In other words, the Mets must determine who their priority free agents will be next off-season. And with the first half playing a huge role in the evaluation process, it is time to re-evaluate the rankings of their upcoming free agents.

Honorable Mets Free Agent Mentions: RP Dellin Betances, SP Jerad Eickhoff, OF Cameron Maybin

At this point, everyone is aware of the Amazins’ health issues this year. While some of them have been unpredictable, one player’s injuries have not – reliever Dellin Betances.

When the Mets signed Betances from the New York Yankees in 2020, they did so after he missed the 2019 season with a partially torn Achillies. At the time, there was hope he could return to his four-time All-Star form. Instead, Betances has been a disaster, only pitching 12.2 innings with a 7.82 earned run average.

Clearly, the Mets would be smart to move on from Betances, who has a one-million buyout for the 2022 season. The same could be said about the team letting starting pitcher Jerad Eickhoff and outfielder Cameron Maybin walk.

Despite not appearing at the major league level last season, Eickhoff is having his best year since 2017. Except, Eickhoff’s version of a good year is not one worth re-signing. Across four games, three being starts, the former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher has given up nine earned runs over 16.1 innings.

As for Maybin, the Mets traded for the 34-year-old earlier in the year when they would lose an outfielder to injury every other day. In 28 at-bats, Maybin had one hit and three walks before quickly being sent down to the minors. Come 2022, barring any dramatic improvements, all three of the above will be not Mets.

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