4 ways the NY Mets can spend $500 million with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. staying put

One of the players, many New York Mets fans were circling as their target for the 2025-26 offseason was Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He was projected to be the biggest name on the open market this offseason. With the future of first base in question, it seemed like a perfect match. However, those dreams were dashed Monday morning, when it was announced that Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays had agreed on a 14-year, $500 million extension. With Guerrero Jr. off the market, the Mets will have to pivot. Here's how they can spend the $500 million that would've gone to Guerrero Jr.

1) Sign Zac Gallen to a six year $175 million contract

One of the biggest weaknesses on the Mets roster is the lack of a frontline starter. While the starting pitching has performed very well to start the season, there are concerns about whether they can keep it up throughout the rest of the season. While reinforcements are coming this season, like Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, the rotation's future still has many question marks.

The Mets should sign Zac Gallen to a six-year, $175 million contract this upcoming offseason. Gallen has been the ace of the Diamondbacks' rotation for the past few seasons. Over his seven-year MLB career, he's pitched to a 3.29 ERA over 826 innings with 902 strikeouts to 262 walks, a 1.133 WHIP, and an ERA+ of 129. This will give the Mets a true number one starter and someone they can rely on in big moments.

The only issue is that Gallen does not fit the type of pitcher David Stearns likes to target. Stearns is more fond of signing pitchers under 30 who are coming off down years and trying to fix their games. Gallen will be 30 and should have a strong season when he hits the open market, which is the exact opposite of what Stearns looks for. However, if the Mets want to be true contenders, they need reliable arms, not reclamation projects they hope work out.