The last 3 NY Mets free agent depth additions David Stearns should look into

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Other than surprising us with a DH, there isn’t much else needed for the New York Mets roster. Things are tight. Elbow room is limited. The budget is bursting like it just finished an all-you-can-eat buffet trip following a Thanksgiving dinner.

What the Mets can still do is add to their depth. Aggressive throughout the offseason in this regard, these last three signings would be exceptional.

1) Brandon Woodruff

Brandon Woodruff has always made sense for the Mets from a couple of standpoints. His familiarity with David Stearns and vice versa. The fact he won’t pitch at all or most of this year gives them a secret weapon late in the season or at least one parked for 2025. Steve Cohen’s endless wealth would allow the Mets to add Woodruff without fear of it causing restrictions elsewhere.

The thought has been to sign Woodruff to a two-year contract where he’ll make a little money now and a big jump in 2025 on an option based on his health. It wouldn’t do the Mets too many favors in terms of avoiding the luxury tax given how it takes the AAV of deals. It would at least protect them in case Woodruff suffers a setback in his recovery.

Woodruff has been nothing short of excellent in his career. A 46-26 record and 3.10 ERA in through 680.1 innings in the majors, he has only been overlooked as one of the better pitchers because he shared a locker room with Corbin Burnes.

Quietly, Woodruff has been elite over the last four seasons which includes a total of 81 starts. A 30-20 record and 2.76 ERA plus a strikeout rate of 10.8 per 9 is hard to resist. We’d happily remain patient until he debuts for the Mets even if it takes until 2025 to happen.

2) Eric Lauer

If Brodie Van Wagenen can sign all of his former clients, the Mets can add a bunch of ex-Milwaukee Brewers, right? Eric Lauer is another one of those starters Stearns found success with in Wisconsin. The 28-year-old lefty isn’t in as much demand as Woodruff would be. For Lauer, his situation with the Mets only makes sense if he signs a minor league pact.

Lauer got roughed around last year. In 46.2 innings mostly as a starter, Lauer was 4-6 with a 6.56 ERA. However, in 2021 and 2022, the lefty showed he could put up much better numbers. Lauer made 49 starts and 4 relief appearances in those two seasons. The end result was an 18-12 record and 3.47 ERA.

Home runs are what killed Lauer last year. He gave up 16 in his short sample. They’ve been a bit of an issue for him throughout his career. An uptick in walks and hits allowed as well, it’s no secret why he put together his worst campaign yet.

The Mets aren’t in any desperate need for starting pitching depth. Still, the moment they wave the white flag on making improvements, that’s when they’ll suddenly need it.

In case you’re wondering about bats, there’s one more who could be fun to see.

3) Jesse Winker

Hello, old friend. Jesse Winker happens to be another member of the 2023 Brewers for the Mets to consider. This is merely a coincidence. Stearns had already stepped down by the time Milwaukee brought him in.

Getting it out of the way first, Winker only makes sense for the Mets on a minor league deal. A Buffalo native, he’d be closer to home in Syracuse where he could ride out a part of the season until he proves he is worthy of a major league roster spot.

It’s hard to believe Winker has fallen on such hard times to the point where a minor league deal is even possible. His .199/.320/.247 performance with just a single home run in 197 trips to the plate last year seems to suggest he won’t have too many teams clearing out a roster spot for him.

Winker is much more of a DH at this point, but can play left field if needed. Also a lefty swinger, he’s one of the ultimate rebound candidates available in free agency this offseason. He was an All-Star in 2021 during a remarkably productive final year with the Cincinnati Reds. Considering both some questions in the outfield and at the DH spot for the Mets, he’s a worthwhile consideration.

Plus, with his history with Mets fans, it would be a fun little turn if he ended up helping them out in 2024.

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