The next free agent signing the NY Mets should make that doesn't involve Juan Soto

The New York Mets made their first major signing of the offseason by going ahead and getting starting pitcher Frankie Montas. After addressing one hole in the starting rotation, they should go out and fill a hole in the lineup. With J.D. Martinez likely not returning next year, a perfect replacement would be DH Joc Pederson.

Joc Pederson is a veteran that has been passed around clubhouses over the years but has a huge impact once he steps up to the plate. It feels like every offseason where he is a free agent, his name gets mentioned as a potential signing for the Mets. Well, here we are once again and this might be the best time for him to slot into this lineup that could use a power bat if Pete Alonso doesn't return.

What does Joc Pederson bring to the Mets?

As mentioned, Joc brings an explosive bat to a lineup that would be a huge upgrade over what JD Martinez brought to New York last season. Pederson had a solid year with the Diamondbacks last season hitting .275/.393/.515 along with 23 home runs and 64 RBI. He also had a 2.9 oWAR and a .908 OPS which was a career right for him. He will be 33 years old this upcoming April but that wouldn't affect his capabilities offensively. However, his defense and baserunning are a huge liability, including a lefty bat like his into this Mets lineup would be incredible for the next two to three seasons depending on what contract he would receive.

Pederson also has a ton of playoff experience, playing in 79 playoff games and having 218 plate appearances since 2015. In that time, he has hit .256/.332/.482 including 12 home runs and 29 RBI. Being a part of two teams that have won the World Series, this would be a great presence in the locker room for younger guys like Mark Vientos and Francisco Alvarez. An everyday DH is what the Mets need, not only in the regular season but also in the postseason where everything matters.

With the Winter Meetings almost upon us, the stove will indeed be hot and hopefully the Mets are one of the teams that make splashes. Pederson would be an underrated offensive signing compared to the likes of Juan Soto or Pete Alonso but he would be a huge acquisition going forward.