3 signs the Mets are punting in 2024, 2 signs they aren't

The NY Mets are punting in 2024 because they have only signed reclamation projects

Yes, the offseason is still young, but the Mets so far have not acted like a team interested in competing. Every move they made has been bringing on a reclamation project of some sort on a one-year deal.

Luis Severino, the biggest acquisition of the offseason thus far, was horrific in 2023, decimating his value to the point where he got just a one-year prove-it deal with the Mets. It's possible Severino will be good and durable for the Mets, but it's a clear risk they're taking here. They hope he can show signs of being the pitcher he once was, but it's hard to rely on him to be both healthy and productive.

The biggest addition the Mets have made in regards to their bullpen is Jorge Lopez, a pitcher who was elite in the first half of 2022 but has been atrocious since. This past season, he had a combined ERA of 5.95 while making appearances for three different teams. This is a fine gamble to take on Lopez who has good stuff and has been good in the past, but he's far from a sure thing.

Austin Adams was an effective reliever in 2019 and 2021, but made just two appearances in 2022 and struggled mightily in his 24 outings in 2023. Sure, he can be good, but it's another risk. The Mets spent tons of money last offseason on guys like David Robertson, Adam Ottavino, Edwin Diaz, and Brooks Raley. This offseason, their most expensive relief addition has been Lopez so far. I expect them to do more, but the way things have gone it's hard to see them being in on any of the big-name relievers.