Every top 50 MLB free agent named as a fit for the NY Mets according to The Athletic

Jim Bowden’s latest monster story at The Athletic takes a look at the top 50 MLB free agents. It starts with Kyle Tucker and ends with Cedric Mullins. It’s a who’s who of MLB free agents with plenty of mentions of the New York Mets along the way.

From a double digit number of potential fits to naming only one spot for some of the players (he doesn’t see anyone other than the Milwaukee Brewers as a match for Jose Quintana), these are the top 50 Bowden linked as possible Mets matches and where they are among the teams who could be vying for their services.

Kyle Tucker - Third best fit

Wouldn’t it be great? It’s probably a distant third to actually believe the Mets will be in on Kyle Tucker whose contract is expected to approach, if not exceed, $400 million.

Kyle Schwarber - Second best fit

We’re going to hear a lot about the Mets signing Kyle Schwarber. Even if he’s merely a DH, the team has shown little hesitation to sign players who’ll barely see the field as a defensive player. It comes with its risk as the Mets will probably situate themselves better by having the DH spot open for a multitude of players rather than one.

Pete Alonso - First best fit

Even without the qualifying offer penalties following him around, Pete Alonso’s best free agent fit is a return to the Mets. It’s hard to disagree. Bowden was pretty consistent with players re-signing with their old clubs. Alonso is no exception.

Framber Valdez - Third best fit

Framber Valdez is one of the better available starting pitchers this offseason in free agency. Are the Mets bold enough to sign him? Given David Stearns’ track record of overlooking the best starting pitchers in free agency and having an unwillingness to pay them, we can be thankful that Valdez feels unlikely to end up in Queens.

Bo Bichette - Ninth best fit

It seems like the Mets only get a mention here because Steve Cohen exists. Could the Mets sign Bo Bichette to become a second baseman to begin the year? It feels doubtful.

Alex Bregman - Eighth best fit

This is a bit of a surprise. Only the eighth best fit for Alex Bregman? Bowden seems confident the Mets already believe they have their third base answer on the roster.

Ranger Suarez - Second best fit

Ranger Suarez feels like one of those free agents who will either become a payroll burden or a guy yet to reach his ceiling. In either case, the Mets were named the second best fit for him.

Dylan Cease - Third best fit

Dylan Cease tends to be really good or very mediocre. He’s someone we’ve seen trade rumors about in the Mets. If the Mets sign a pitcher, there’s a really good chance he’s the one.

Tatsuya Imai - First best fit

An international signing for the Mets that won’t do a thing to improve their offense, Tatsuya Imai is potentially a franchise-altering rotation match. Seeing the Mets named as the first best fit should have every fan rushing out to learn more about him.

Cody Bellinger - Second best fit

Bowden isn’t wrong here and yet it still feels unlikely for the Mets to sign Cody Bellinger. He’d be a solid match to play first base and some outfield. He’d easily help the team kick the can down the road until they ultimately figure out what’s next for many of their young players.

Zac Gallen - Eight best fit

Frankly, Zac Gallen should probably be a match for most teams. It’s very realistic he ends up on a short-term deal with a player option. Bowden predicted a five-year contract worth $135. If that’s the case, no chance he’s with the Mets. A one-year contract is more reasonable.

Munetaka Murakami - Second best fit

Munetaka Murakami is going to be the Alonso alternative for every team going after the Polar Bear this offseason. It’s no shock to see the Mets named as the second best fit.

Michael King - Fifth best fit

The Mets should be higher. In fact, for just the sake of loading up on as many players as they can from the Juan Soto trade to the New York Yankees, he should be a primary target.

Edwin Diaz - First best fit

Here’s the good news for Mets fans; there isn’t a large market for Edwin Diaz. A return to the Mets feels like the likeliest outcome. Bowden agrees.

Robert Suarez - Second best fit

The best alternative to Diaz out there, Robert Suarez’s name pops up with the Mets as the second-best fit for him. If they aren’t going to pay Diaz, pivoting to Suarez feels unnatural. Go with what you know or completely rethink the structure of your bullpen, please.

Shane Bieber - Seventh best fit

Shane Bieber is one of the more intriguing starting pitcher free agents. Injuries have derailed his career, but a strong finish in the postseason could have more teams looking to sign him. Listed as only the seventh best fit for him, it sounds unlikely he’ll end up in blue and orange.

Josh Naylor - Second best fit

I like it, but I can’t see the Seattle Mariners letting him leave.

Kazuma Okamoto - Second best fit

One of the latest Japanese players we’ve learned will hit MLB free agency, Kazuma Okamoto has the Mets as his second-best fit. The beauty of this is his ability to play third base can help the Mets do something pretty awesome: add at first base, too.

Merrill Kelly - Fourth best fit

Merrill Kelly had one of the stronger years among free agent starting pitchers. Seeing the Mets listed as the fourth-best fit probably comes down to the club’s need for someone significantly better.

Tyler Rogers - First best fit

Re-signing Tyler Rogers would be great. The only question is if the Mets are willing to pay him. Bowden predicts a one-year deal worth $15 million. That’s a lot of cash spent on him, Diaz, and A.J. Minter.

Tyler Mahle - Fourth best fit

Another project the Mets can probably pass on. Tyler Mahle could work if the Mets had fewer questions in their rotation.

Brad Keller - Third best fit

A guy the Mets probably should have taken a chance on before the 2025 season, Brad Keller is a decent target to go after and hope this past year was no mirage. I’d suspect he’ll be mentioned in rumors. I can’t confidently say he ends up in a Mets uniform.