5 bold predictions for the 2022-2023 Mets offseason

2) NY Mets sign Justin Verlander to replace Jacob deGrom

What do you do when you lose one of your best pitchers? You go out and sign someone else’s. Justin Verlander could top the AAV Cohen gave to Scherzer last offseason. It would be a major counterattack if deGrom does indeed leave New York.

This prediction falls somewhat in line with what happened between the Atlanta Braves and Freddie Freeman last winter. We could see deGrom vs. the Mets in a “who blinks first” contest. The Mets shouldn’t wait too long, though. If they can snag Verlander, they need to.

Verlander also has an opt out in his contract. Even if the Houston Astros have proven to be one of the best places to win a championship, Mr. Kate Upton could be looking for a change of scenery, new challenge, or just the biggest boatload of money. Houston can move on from him more easily than the Mets can lose deGrom and not making a huge transaction to replace him.

The Mets should remain built around a starting rotation of aces. It’s what has tended to work for the organization. Scherzer as the number one guy with some talented arms behind him might be enough. The Mets could always bring back Chris Bassitt and Carlos Carrasco—two of the most realistic possibilities.

They may even do more. This leads to the next prediction: the big Mets trade of the offseason.