2. Ranger Suarez
The rotation is arguably the place where the Mets need the most work. It's not a big year for free agent starters, but Suarez has been good this season in the top half of the Phillies' rotation. An All-Star in 2024, the lefthander started his 2025 campaign on a tear, 7-3 with a 2.15 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in the first half. However, he regressed after the All-Star break, going 5-5 with a 4.40 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP.
Regardless, Suarez is seen as one of the league's better pitchers, with a pitching run value of 17 (90th percentile in MLB). He isn't a high velocity pitcher, but makes up for it with nasty movement; his sinker averages 21.9 inches of vertical drop. His breaking run value is eight (87th percentile), and his offspeed run value is six (90th percentile).
The Mets' rotation is likely going to look much different next season than it did this year. Nolan McLean and Clay Holmes are most likely locks for the Opening Day rotation, but beyond that are a lot of question marks, especially considering Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat will start the year in Triple-A.
Adding Suarez would definitely make things more straightforward for the Mets, and it would be beneficial for them to have a lefty in the rotation going into the season.