Where the Mets could have gone instead
Free agency regularly offers a slew of arms looking for their chance to rebound. Severino was the one they chose. Age and potential upside seem to have been the leading factors there. The ability to avoid having to commit to more than one season probably made him a better match as well. It may have been nice to have a team option for 2024 although the ability to give him a qualifying offer might suffice. This is the absolute best case scenario.
The Mets could have gone in the direction of a pitcher like Wade Miley who can’t seem to get out of the NL Central. Someone David Stearns is already familiar with, he hasn’t been the healthiest in recent seasons, but he has been effective on a more regular basis. Was it the age that steered them away from a pitcher like Miley? The 37-year-old ended up back with the Milwaukee Brewers taking home $7 million with another $2.5 million available based on innings pitched. There’s a $12 million option for 2025 on him with a $1.5 million buyout.
In short: Miley broke no one’s bank.