NY Mets Monday Morning GM: 3 free agents David Stearns likely wishes he had room for

David Stearns wasn’t as adamant about adding players who fit his system this offseason as he was the last two times. Sure, there are fliers on guys, pitchers in particular, who seem to match what he has brought to the New York Mets regularly. Those “hey, if he can only find his control” or “wow, look at the Stuff+ on him” style of players have regularly made their way to Queens.

What felt like more than previous years, free agency offered some unique players who would have fit in well as high-priced chances the Mets could have been willing to make. There just wasn’t room for them, though. The Mets had too much subtracting to do in order for space to open up for any of these three free agents Stearns probably wishes he got his hands on.

There just wasn't room for the Mets to pursue any of these three unique free agents

1) Drew Anderson

Drew Anderson comes back to the US on a one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers worth $7 million in 2026 and a $10 million team option for 2027. Just 44.1 innings in the big leagues previously, mostly as a reliever, he had only a 6.50 ERA.

Why the cash flow? Anderson has been brilliant in Japan and Korea. Last year’s KBO stint had him pitching to a 2.25 ERA with 12.8 K/9. He’ll be one of three truly fascinating pitchers who might’ve learned something in the foreign leagues. In 13 spring training innings, Anderson has struck out 17 and allowed a single earned run.

2) Anthony Kay

Another overseas success story, Anthony Kay signed with the Chicago White Sox on a $5 million guarantee for this year and next with lots of incentives. It’s a good amount of dough for a lifetime 5.59 ERA pitcher. Like Anderson, Kay just needed a change of scenery. He had an excellent year in Japan, pitching to a 1.74 ERA last year in 155 innings.

Kay is expected to pitch one more game for the White Sox this spring. So far, in 5 starts, he has a 2.20 ERA. The White Sox should be excited about what he can bring them. Meanwhile, what could’ve been a fascinating Mets story never came to be because New York simply didn’t have room.

3) Cody Ponce

David Stearns has a connection to Cody Ponce who was previously traded away by the Milwaukee Brewers. The Toronto Blue Jays have bought all the way into his overseas success. He is getting $6 million this year and $12 millin in each of the next two.

For someone with only 20 games of MLB experience, we can even understand why if the Mets did have room for a player like Ponce they might hesitate. His 17-1 record, 1.89 ERA, and 12.6 K/9 rate last year in the KBO all combined to make him a worthwhile expense for a team that has looked ready to win at all costs. The only thing stopping them: the Los Angeles Dodgers.