NY Mets have 4 free agents on MLB Trade Rumors list of the best next offseason

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MLB Trade Rumors published their latest list of the top 10 free agents for the 2022-23 offseason, and it is full of current New York Mets that are up to be free agents. The list, compiled by MLB Trade Rumors owner Tim Dierkes and contributors Anthony Franco and Steve Adams, looks at the free agents currently primed to get the largest contracts, whether it is per total dollars, or average annual salary. Of the 18 names mentioned (eight of them are listed as honorable mentions), four of them are Mets. That is more than any other team in the majors.

So that means the Mets will be making a lot of critical decisions this winter with high quality to elite talents up for free agency.

Mets Free Agent No. 7: Jacob deGrom

Jacob deGrom is the second highest rated pitcher on this list behind Joe Musgrove of the San Diego Padres (he's ranked lower because of the injuries he’s suffered this past year and hasn’t pitched since July 7, 2021).

The accolades for No. 48 are off the charts and, when healthy, is the best pitcher in the world. After all, deGrom pitched to the tune of a dazzling 1.08 ERA in 92 innings pitched a season ago. You throw in a Rookie of the Year award in 2014, Cy Young wins in 2018 and 2019, and perhaps the greatest first half of a season ever by a pitcher, and you have all the ingredients for another gigantic pay day.

But MLB Trade Rumors notes that there will be some team that will sign deGrom to an incredibly high-risk contract if he opts out of the $30.5 million guaranteed salary next year, which he said he is still planning to do.

Mets Free Agent No. 10: Brandon Nimmo

Finally. Brandon Nimmo is getting the attention he deserves for what he brings to the table. He has been flying under the radar his entire career because of his injury history. But, he has had a great season thus far, batting .294, with a .385 on-base percentage, and an .836 OPS, and is on pace for a 6.7 WAR season with 177 hits and 53 extra-base hits. Also, don’t forget to mention his plate discipline is unreal, with a knowledge of the strike zone as good as it gets across the sport.

Nimmo has also gotten better as a defensive outfielder as his career has come along, and is on track for the best season of his career as a defensive center fielder, which adds to his value. He hasn’t committed an error in 78 chances in the outfield. Also, his sprint speed is in the top 10 percent of the game. He is part of a team that is hustling with every ball in play, both at the plate and on the field, and is someone who will definitely help bring a winning culture wherever he lands up.

MLB Trade Rumors notes that similar outfielders at this stage of their careers got five year contracts like Lorenzo Cain and Dexter Fowler, but teams may be reluctant to hand Nimmo a contract of that length due to health concerns. That is good enough for Nimmo to rank as the 10th best free agent in his class and the best center fielder.

Honorable Mention: Chris Bassitt

Bassitt has been outstanding for the Mets if you take out his two starts against the San Francisco Giants. He is a reliable pitcher that gives you consistency at a high level. Bassitt was originally slated to be the team’s No. 3 pitcher behind deGrom and Scherzer, but he’s now their ace with both out. He’s been an ace before, notably with Oakland for a couple of years before getting shipped to New York in March.

When Bassitt and the Mets avoided arbitration last week, the agreement included a $19 million mutual option for the 2023 season. That seems like a smart move for both sides, and it may be something the Mets might be behooved into optioning, especially if they can’t bring back Jacob deGrom (who is expected to be a free agent after the season). MLB Trade Rumors tabs Bassitt in the honorable mention category, and should be sought after by teams if the sides mutually turn down the large option.

Honorable Mention: Edwin Diaz

Edwin Diaz has the raw talent and abilities to command a contract similar to the one Aroldis Chapman signed with the Yankees before 2017 (5 years and $86 million). Even though he has already blown three saves this season, his Statcast rankings this season have been unbelievable.

Diaz has the best strikeout rate and whiff rate among National League pitchers, and the trumpets from Timmy Trumpets at Citi Field usually spell game over for the opposition when he enters from the bullpen. MLB Trade Rumors has Diaz as one of the eight honorable mentions who didn't crack their top 10 list.

Next. Here is one pitcher the Mets should make a trade for, and it is not who you think. dark

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