Belated NY Mets rumors of Joc Pederson interest suggests an obvious alternative

Joc Pederson will be a member of the Texas Rangers next year. A two-year deal worth $37 million with an opt out after 2025, the often flamboyant outfielder turned full-time DH was someone who the NY Post’s Jon Heyman mentioned was a name in the behind-the-scenes network of New York Mets rumors.

Pederson would have been a nice bat to add to the roster, particularly in a platoon situation. Whether it was to pair him off with Starling Marte, Mark Vientos (he’d start against more than lefties), or some other situation, Pederson was a quieter match for the Mets not discussed enough prior to this deal.

Left-handed power was something the Mets desired at the trade deadline. It appears they’re still looking for some. Pederson is out. Now where do they pivot? There’s only one comparable player.

Missing out on Joc Pederson might mean the return of Mets rumors involving Jesse Winker

If it’s a left-handed hitter the Mets prefer, the next best choice for them might be a reunion with Jesse Winker. He fit right in with the team last season. In a lot of ways, he remains a match to play in Queens yet again.

Winker had a good August, terrible September, and rambunctious October for the Mets. Not a great defender but at least someone who could play the field unlike J.D. Martinez, the connection to Pederson suggests the Mets aren’t fully opposed to signing a DH-exclusive player again. Pederson didn’t play the field at all last year with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Winker probably shouldn’t do so much in 2025 wherever he ends up signing.

Winker isn’t the only left-handed outfielder available in free agency. We also shouldn’t ignore the possibility of a trade on the level of last year’s acquisition of Tyrone Taylor or possibly better. Only about 81 starts at the DH spot should be the plan for any single player next year for the Mets. It’s too limiting for the rest of the roster.

Will Winker be back with the Mets next season? There hasn’t been much buzz about him this offseason. A return to the Mets seems dependent on whether or not they find a taker for Marte.