3 replacements for Max Scherzer in free agency to already start dreaming about

3) NY Mets replacement for Max Scherzer in free agency: Blake Snell

Blake Snell had an underwhelming beginning to the season, but since late May, he's been the best pitcher in baseball. He's given up a total of six earned runs in his last 12 starts, and only once during that streak has he given up more than one.

Despite Snell's best efforts, the Padres are in a similar position to the Mets, and they could also be sellers before the deadline. This could give Snell a look at a new possible landing spot with a contender, and it's possible he signs an extension. If not, though, he should be one of the Mets' top priorities.

Snell has big game experience, and many fans will remember his gem in the 2020 World Series that could have forced a Game 7, if not for Rays manager Kevin Cash inexplicably yanking the lefty after only 76 pitches against the Dodgers. For a Mets team that has come up small in the biggest moments recently, a gamer like Snell could revitalize the entire team.

Snell's turnaround this season has put him in the thick of the NL Cy Young race. The Al Cy Young winner in 2018, clinching the award this year would put him in rare company as one of only seven players to have won it in both leagues, with the most recent being, ironically, Max Scherzer, the pitcher we're hoping he replaces in Flushing.

At 30 years old, Snell would be a respected veteran in the clubhouse, without the fear of declining production that comes with signing players nearing their 40s.

The elephant in the free agent room is, of course, Shohei Ohtani and his impending decision. Ohtani is such a unique player, though, that he deserves more than a small blurb in a larger article. Assuming he doesn't resign with the Angels, there will be plenty of time for Mets fans to get excited about the possibility of Ohtani coming to Queens, and perhaps the presence of Senga (and possibly Yamamoto) could help land the superstar.

The Mets' 2024 rotation will be in need of much more help than one player can provide. Landing two of the players listed today might seem like a pipe dream, but I wouldn't bet against Steve Cohen going the extra mile to erase the blemish of this season.

Barring an almost unheard-of comeback from a depleted roster in the home stretch of the season, Mets fans can now turn their attention to next year. Does Yamamoto, Urias, or Snell seem like a good fit?