6 things the NY Mets need to do this offseason if run prevention is the focus

3) Sign Kazuma Okamoto to play the corner infield positions

Kazuma Okamoto fits into the plan because he won’t cost as much as Alex Bregman but can surely give the Mets a regular boost at third base. He’d be a perfect pairing alongside Bellinger in free agency. Let Bellinger and Okamoto share first base duties and have the latter see time at third base as well.

A little mysterious and not as fanciful as Munetaka Murakami, Okamoto comes with a high defensive reputation. He has won the Japanese equivalent of the Gold Glove in the recent past. One can assume he’d be an upgrade at first base. Third base may not end up as one of his more regular positions depending on the situation with both Brett Baty and second base as a whole. Regardless, it’s good to have a guy who can flip between both corner infield positions.

4) Prepare for your DH in 2026 to be a rotation of multiple players

As fascinating as it would be to see Kyle Schwarber on the Mets roster, he doesn’t fit into the idea of prioritizing run prevention. On the contrary, he is the run producer who will cost you a game if you ever hand him a glove. The Philadelphia Phillies have slowly but surely decreased his time in left field. He is a player who continues to mash but you don’t want to see anywhere other than at the plate.

The Mets are already set up well with multiple DH options on their current roster. Juan Soto and Brandon Nimmo could benefit from more half-days in the DH role. Mark Vientos is already traded away so we don’t have to worry about him eating up any days in this role.