NY Mets rumors: Ranking targets, possible offseason additions, hopeful speculation

The New York Mets and the rest of MLB have less than a month to go before the collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1 and a lockout goes into effect. For that, the Mets should be active in free agency and the trade market in the month of November.

With GM Meetings going on this week, the Mets have been connected to a number of players, who could help fill their needs this offseason. So, we're going to rank every name the Mets have been linked to so far and who else they should be linked to based on how realistic each move could be.

Who the Mets have been linked to

1. High-leverage bullpen help

In the bullpen, the Mets have shown interest in left-handers Alex Vesia, Tim Hill and old friend Brooks Raley. The Athletic was the first report on Vesia and Hill, while SNY was first on Raley. FanSided was able to confirm that Raley and the Mets have spoken, but no deal is close at this time. The Mets have also shown interest in right-hander and former Yankee Jonathan Loaisiga, per The Post. New York is going to bring in more high-leverage help to boost their bullpen this offseason.

2. First Base

On the position player side, the Mets have shown interest in infielder Alec Bohm, who can play first base and third base. The Athletic was the first report that the Mets met with Bohm's representatives at GM Meetings. The right-handed hitter mashes left-handed pitching and would be an ideal fit as a platoon player with Jared Young at first base.

As first reported by FanSided on Wednesday, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson is a potential trade target for the Mets. Burleson, a lefty slugger, is coming off a big year with the Cardinals, where he hit 26 homers, drove in 116 RBI, posted an .816 OPS and had a 3.7 bWAR. He does, however, struggle against left-handed pitching. It's also unknown whether the Cardinals are willing to trade him.

3. Tarik Skubal

The biggest name that the Mets have been connected to is two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. The Mets are set to meet with Skubal in California next week, per The New York Post. They're also viewed as the current favorites to sign the ace lefty, who is expected to receive the richest contract for a starting pitcher in MLB history. There are plenty of suitors pursuing Skubal and the Mets could find themselves in a bidding war for the generational southpaw. Based on all the names the Mets have been linked to so far, Skubal is probably the least likely to land in Queens due to competition and price.

Who the Mets should be linked to

1. Ty France

When looking at players the Mets should be linked to, free agent righty hitting first baseman Ty France should be at the top of the list after the big year he produced for the San Diego Padres. Not only would France be a good complement to Young, but he is an everyday player who can hit both right-handed and left-handed pitching well. He was also the second-best defensive first baseman in the game last season with seven Outs Above Average.

2. Clay Holmes

Why not bring back a familiar face? If the Mets were to re-sign Clay Holmes after trading him to the Chicago Cubs at the deadline, it would make their rotation stronger. Holmes found success across two seasons with the Mets who converted him from a closer to a starting pitcher. Pairing Holmes with Skubal, Nolan McLean, Christian Scott and Zac Thornton would give the Mets a championship caliber rotation.

3. Shane Bieber

Beyond Skubal, the Mets will need at least one more starting pitcher and Shane Bieber could solidify the back of their rotation. When healthy, Bieber has proven to be a capable above average starter in the league. The problem is that he dealt with injuries yet again in 2026, and was limited to just 11 starts. Even still, Bieber could be a low-risk, high-reward flier type signing for the Mets.

4. Michael King

In case the Mets don't get Skubal, they should be in contact with free agent right-handed starter Michael King. The Mets would still need two starters to fill out their rotation, and King would be their top acquisition and best plan B if they can't land Skubal. King is big stage tested and has proven he can perform in the postseason as well.

5. Joe Ryan

The Mets brought in Derek Falvey, former Minnesota Twins president of baseball operations, to their front office. Given his familiarity with righty starter Joe Ryan, the Mets should try to swing a trade there if they can't get Skubal or King. Ryan has one more year of club control remaining and will be a free agent after the 2027 season.

6. Emerson Hancock

How about a controllable starter? The Seattle Mariners were open to trading Emerson Hancock at the deadline this past season, and the Mets should give them a call about his availability this winter. Hancock is under club control for the next four seasons and won't hit the open market until after the 2030 campaign.

7. Spencer Torkelson

Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson is someone the Mets have been linked to in the past. Torkelson is another righty bat with some pop, but he does have his faults via his high strikeout rate and defensive woes. If the Mets can't land Bohm, Burleson or France, Torkelson should be a fall back option for them at first base.

8. Trevor Megill

The Mets already have closer Devin Williams, but acquiring Trevor Megill would certainly boost their bullpen. ESPN reported that the Brewers will "at least listen" on Megill, who is a free agent after the 2027 season. The Mets are actively seeking high-leverage bullpen help and Megill would be a great get to upgrade their unit. The only dilemma is that he could push Williams to a setup role, which is why a trade is probably unrealistic.

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