5 Mets DH options to sign in free agency not named Shohei Ohtani

One position the New York Mets need to strongly consider upgrading this offseason is the DH spot as Mets designated hitters rank 19th in the majors with a 102 WRC+. Daniel Vogelbach has finished strongly, but his limitations strongly outweigh the offense he sometimes brings against right-handed pitching. Mark Vientos has had a great month of September but doesn't have the body of work to be handed a guaranteed starting job.

Shohei Ohtani is the obvious DH candidate the Mets should be trying to get this offseason. He might not be able to pitch in 2024, but this season has been one of, if not the best hitter in the game. He'd instantly make the Mets offense one of the league's best if he was added to the middle of this lineup.

While Ohtani is the dream addition, it's easy to say it's unlikely to come to fruition. He's been rumored to prefer the west coast, and also wants to play with a contender. While we hope the Mets compete in 2024 and beyond, they failed to reach their lofty expectations this season and have made the postseason just once so far under Steve Cohen.

If their Ohtani pursuit fails, the Mets can still look to upgrade their DH spot with any of these five candidates.

1) NY Mets DH option to pursue in free agency: Justin Turner

The Mets made the mistake of non-tendering Justin Turner 10 years ago and watched him blossom into one of the game's best third basemen with the Dodgers. The Mets had a chance to improve their DH spot this offseason by bringing Turner back but passed on him again and Turner wound up in Boston.

So far for the Red Sox this season, Turner has slashed .279/.349/.464 with 23 home runs and 95 RBI in 140 games. He's primarily been the DH but has made appearances at first base, second base, and third base. He can play all three in a pinch if the need is there, giving the Mets more flexibility than they had with Vogelbach who plays no games in the field.

Turner's age is a bit concerning as he'd be entering his age-39 season, but with how good he continues to be, there's no reason to believe he wouldn't hit for a year or two. He's had an OPS+ of at least 117 in each season since 2013.