5 moves the NY Mets should make if they aren’t willing to go beyond 3 years

3) Sign Ryan O’Hearn

Predicted to get a two-year deal worth $26 million, Ryan O’Hearn is a satisfying first base option for the Mets next year. His ability to play both corner outfield spots is an added bonus as well. A good defender last year as well, he’d give the Mets a good mix of offense and defense at the position.

A career stymied with the Kansas City Royals, O’Hearn took off with the Baltimore Orioles in 2023. He’s coming off of a career-high 17 home runs and 63 RBI campaign that finished with the San Diego Padres. As productive as it was, his .803 OPS was only two points higher than what it was in 2023 when he would have surely surpassed his 2025 numbers. He had 14 home runs and 60 RBI in only 368 trips to the plate.

O’Hearn might be the most satisfying external candidate for the Mets who won’t get a deal of more than three years. Moving on from Pete Alonso seems destined to happen if the line in the sand is drawn at three years. Would he really take something short again when there is an actual market demand for him this offseason?

Signing O’Hearn and letting Alonso walk is somewhat similar to going from Brandon Nimmo to Marcus Semien. It’s a clear offensive downgrade with an uptick in defense.

Unfortunately, our trip through free agency ends here. The Mets will find options to finish off their bullpen who won’t get signed for more than three years. To make a huge dent in the way we perceive this team, it’s time to make two trades.