It’s the last day of 2025, or maybe by the time you’re reading this, you’ve already kissed a stranger at midnight and made a resolution for the coming year. The MLB offseason has been moving along like one of those nightmares where you’re trying to run but you keep falling deeper into sand. The New York Mets have been one of the more active teams yet continue to have some major needs.
What better time to reevaluate and predict the offseason than on the final day of the year?
Free agents, trades, additions, subtractions, it's all included. How right will they possibly be in an offseason full of unpredictable Mets moves?
January 5 - The Mets sign Austin Hays to a one-year deal worth $6.75 million
Less than a week into 2026, the Mets will sign free agent outfielder Austin Hays. There won’t be an additional ball dropping in Manhattan to celebrate. This isn’t exactly the great-big-move to push the Mets over the top nor is it one a lot of fans are going to be satisfied to see.
Hays isn’t a giant booster to the lineup. Best utilized against left-handed pitching, he’ll help the Mets carefully ease into a more regular spot in the lineup for Carson Benge.
On a one-year deal worth $6.75 million, the Mets get themselves a veteran who can mash lefty pitching and slide into a lesser role as the season progresses. Experienced at all three outfield spots, he’d be insurance in case their center field plans go astray.
The Mets will look to have Benge in the majors by Memorial Day at the latest with regular playing time. This will push Hays into a smaller role, possibly DH’ing on days when Jorge Polanco plays first base.
