3 Mets rival free agent signings they should've made instead

The National League East remains one of the better divisions in baseball. Entering a season where four teams could conceivably contend for a playoff spot (sorry Washington Nationals), the offseason has included several free agent additions to the division beyond just all of the players added to the New York Mets roster.

These three free agent signings by Mets rivals stand out most as the trio of deals that could have made the most sense for the Amazins. Jealous? Maybe a little bit. For the price and what they bring to the field, each would have been a welcomed fit on the Mets roster if the club went in a different direction at some positions.

1) The Mets should’ve signed Whit Merrifield

A little redundant with Jeff McNeil on the roster, signing Whit Merrifield does have its benefits. The Mets have more flexibility with the defensive alignment than anyone could ever dream to have. A second baseman and experienced corner outfielder, the Mets could have had plenty of room for crazy experiments as the season progressed. Carrying three catchers would be possible. Having a DH that never plays the field can happen, too.

Although no longer the same dazzling speedster he was from his days with the Kansas City Royals or a guy who’ll lead the league in hits ever again, Merrifield is still a productive everyday utility player graduating from the School of Ben Zobrist. The Philadelphia Phillies managed to pick him up this offseason for a favorable $7 million owed in 2024 and an $8 million payday on a team option for 2025.

Put Merrifield on the Mets and he’s probably the starting left fielder. If you’re of the mindset that the Mets overpaid for Harrison Bader—a thought that is becoming my whole identity as a living being—you may even be on board with them having chosen Merrifield instead.