Steve Cohen has unfamiliar competition for the NY Mets this offseason

Under Steve Cohen's ownership, the New York Mets have become accustomed to playing in a certain sandbox when it comes to free agency. The Los Angeles Dodgers, the crosstown Yankees, the Boston Red Sox, and the Toronto Blue Jays all feel like familiar competition.

But as they survey the market this winter, they'll find new threats jumping into the mix. Two of the league's smallest markets and stingiest clubs, the Miami Marlins and the Pittsburgh Pirates, have made their intentions to raise spending this offseason known.

These guppies won't be making a run at Kyle Tucker, but in the mid-high tier where the Mets were hoping to find some value, they'll now find these two clubs serving as additional thorns in their side as they're expected to pursue many of the same players thought of to be fits for the Mets.

Add the Pirates and Marlins to the competition the Mets will face for several perfect free-agent fits

Three players stand out as Mets' targets who are receiving interest from these perennial bottom feeders: Kazuma Okamoto, Ryan O'Hearn, and Michael King.

Okamoto has long stood out as a potential Pete Alonso replacement. He brings with him a low strikeout rate, strong plate discipline, and translatable power. In addition, he has position versatility and could be a fit at either first base, third base, or the recently vacated left field. The Pirates are mentioned as a specific suitor for his services, while the Marlins' search for 1B/3B upgrades could bring them to believe he's a logical conclusion as well.

Another target who could make sense for the Mets is the versatile Ryan O'Hearn. O'Hearn could be a mid-cost Alonso alternative who can also fill in at both outfield corners and at DH. The Pirates have specifically been rumored to get involved in the bidding for him.

The Marlins have been linked to Michael King, who, on talent alone, would fit nicely atop the Mets' rotation. Injury concerns will keep his price tag (in years more than dollars) lower than the likes of Dylan Cease or Framber Valdez, but he's as close to an ace as you'll find in free agency this year.

Lastly, the Marlins are sniffing around the closer market and could be vying with the Mets for a number of different ninth-inning solutions. Miami was one of the first teams connected to Devin Williams, with interest being reported before the playoffs had come to a close.

Pittsburgh and Miami are long shots to land any of these targets, though there's always a chance one could slip through the cracks for them to nab. The bigger threat they pose is raising price tags, as these two non-spenders getting into the mix will only add the the bidding war that is sure to occur.