Mets offseason: Which MLB free agents are worth the qualifying offer penalties?

Players not worth any QO penalty in order of how much they should be avoided: Nick Pivetta, Anthony Santander, Willy Adames, Teoscar Hernandez

There’s probably a lot less debate here because these four remaining players who rejected the QO are on a lesser level. Willy Adames is the one most often mentioned in offseason Mets rumors thus far. A bit of a surprise considering he is a shortstop and the Mets have that position locked up, a plan of moving him to third base is a bit too outlandish for my liking. He had a good year but doesn’t have an enticing enough track record. No tears would be shed if the Mets did sign him. It just doesn’t seem like the strongest move. The qualifying offer attachment has less to do with my lack of desire to add him. He just seems like an imperfect addition.

Nick Pivetta is the easiest pass of all. While a quality pitcher for several years for the Boston Red Sox, he falls into a similar spot as Severino. For what it’s worth, he has never finished a season with an ERA better than the 4.04 ERA posted in 2023. This was a season where he spent significant time pitching in relief.

Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernandez could create some debate. How necessary are they for the Mets to pursue? Each is coming off of a strong season. They’d fit in well with the Mets as Soto alternatives, but don’t seem to be quite good enough to sacrifice two draft picks. There are other solutions out there for the Mets.