NY Mets: Top 12 free agents the team should look to sign this winter

Sep 29, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Michael Conforto (30) and starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) walk to the dugout before a game against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Michael Conforto (30) and starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) walk to the dugout before a game against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 4, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) throws the ball in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /

2) NY Mets free agent target Marcus Stroman

Marcus Stroman didn’t have the best year among those on this list. He’s probably also not the best pitcher available in free agency. This doesn’t take away how much of a priority he should be for the Mets this winter.

Going back to the familiarity bonus, I always think there’s nothing wrong with paying a player for his past performances. Equally as important, you never want to pay a guy for what he did with another team.

The Mets could certainly pivot away from Stroman and sign any of the other starters on this list. They come with a little more risk. Stroman practically repeated in 2021 what he did back in 2019. He seems to have found his calling as a low 3.00 ERA guy who might not go deep into games but almost always gives you a chance to win.

Is he an ace? No. Probably not. But as a number two, he is more than adequate.

During my thought process of “how can the Mets replace Stroman?” I came to the conclusion that there is no way to do so. A new deal with him is the best way to ensure they go into 2022 with a stud they can count on.