MLB insider who got massive NY Mets prediction wrong years ago makes a new claim

When New York Mets fans see the name Buster Olney, one moment comes to mind. We were coming off of a shortened 60-game MLB season. The Mets, under ownership of Steve Cohen for the first winter, were expected to do a lot.

Among the moves he predicted was for the Mets to land free agent outfielder George Springer. He was almost ready to “bet the family farm” in early December. Springer signed with the Toronto Blue Jays the following month. Mets fans haven't forgotten and welcomed the punchline into his latest take on the Mets.

Olney is back with another prediction he feels is safe, predicting the Mets will inevitably sign Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez.

Buster Olney is going full Thanos with this inevitable Mets prediction

It’s not shocking, unique, or especially hot for Olney to foresee the Mets adding Valdez or Suarez. Two of the best starting pitchers left in free agency with maybe Zac Gallen being the only other reasonably close, the club’s clear need for an addition to the rotation has Olney going out on the smallest of limbs to make this prediction.

The trouble with assuring us the Mets will land one is how both free agents are seeking long-term deals, something David Stearns avoids. In addition, each would come with the qualifying offer penalties of two draft picks plus $1 million in international bonus slot money lost. 

Signing either one is essentially a trade, costing two prospects plus the cash lost for the international signing period. Are either worth it? If the Mets actually do believe Kyle Tucker’s market can sink to a pillow contract for a year or two, they might want to wait on him before making a serious offer to either free agent starter.

The Mets have work to do with the roster with the starting rotation being the most untouched thus far. No additions. Zero subtractions. More than a handful of questions.

Both starters can bring a different element to the Mets. Do they get aggressive and ensure they land one or wait it out for a desperate leftover?