The New York Mets have multiple holes across their roster that must be addressed this off-season.
Tough decisions loom with both their own free agents and, from there, who they will ultimately pursue strongly on the market.
Below, the top five needs for this baseball team and the order they should be prioritized in by Steve Cohen, Billy Eppler, and Buck Showalter will be discussed.
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New York Mets’ top five needs power ranked:
1. #1 starting pitcher:
The obvious, clear-cut top need this team must address this offseason.
Whether that be re-signing Jacob deGrom, signing Carlos Rodon, or Justin Verlander, the Mets need to come to terms with one ace this offseason.
They need a premium difference-maker atop their starting rotation to keep their hopes of winning a World Series in place.
Led by deGrom for nearly a decade, that is what the Mets have had. And it has provided them with an undeniable strength to their baseball team.
Agreeing on a deal with one of deGrom, Rodon, or Verlander is the first order of business for the Mets this free agency.
2. A prime FA bat for the top of the lineup:
In essence, the Mets need to either keep Brandon Nimmo or find a way to land Trea Turner.
The top of the Mets lineup needs reliable, consistent contact bats. Nimmo’s career batting average of .269 and Turner’s .302 would give the Mets exactly that.
Down the stretch in 2022, the Mets fell off thanks to sub-par hitting. They will have the money to make a splash for a bat and must execute.
Either Nimmo or Turner has got to be under contract with the Mets after this off-season period.
3. A relief pitcher:
The biggest concern the 2022 Mets had comes in at number three here.
The Mets got off to an ideal start this offseason with the re-signing of Edwin Diaz. Now, they need to add more proven commodities in front of him for 2023.
Luckily, for the Mets, there are more than enough options that leave them with no excuses.
They can keep Adam Ottavino. If not, the market has many quality relievers available. Whether it be Andrew Chafin, David Robertson, Mike Fulmer, Brad Hand, or Taylor Rogers, among others, the depth is there for the Mets to land at least one reinforcement for their bullpen.
4. #3 starting pitcher:
The Mets have got to keep their entire rotation a strong suit entering next season.
Chris Bassitt’s impending free agency makes the spot in the middle of the rotation a concern at the moment for the Mets.
The Mets should be working to retain Bassitt as their #3 starter, as ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently reported the Mets are hopeful for. If Bassitt prices himself out, the Mets have to flip their attention to Kodai Senga and find a way to sign him.
Both a top and third starter are musts for the Mets to address this winter.
5. A power bat:
Along with a pure, hitting, contact bat at the top of the lineup, no one would deny the Mets’ batting order needs improved power for next year.
A few players the Mets could target to fill this void are Josh Bell, Trey Mancini, and Michael Conforto. Players with some versatility to play in the field and also fit into the lineup as designated hitters. The 2023 Mets will need more of a power presence at the plate and better production with the long ball.