The Dodgers’ signing spree is making their rivals scratching their head! Yes, that is what it seems like, seeing state of the NY Mets. Apart from Juan Soto, the New York-based outfit are yet to make a mark in big-ticket signings. Amid the Dodgers going all guns blazing, pressure is on the Mets to counter, and with their owner being the richest among his peers, it’s all waiting to happen. But should it be? Well, Steven Cohen is told to resist! 

Now that’s quite surprising considering the NY Mets still have a half-baked team. Moreover, with the Mets front office at the receiving end of its fans’ wrath, asking Cohen to resist is something unique. Well, this question is about whether the Mets should go for panic buying or should they make a future-proof team.

Panic Buying is Not an Option

“You don’t make a bad business deal just because you can easily absorb it, as Steve Cohen obviously can”, wrote MLB analyst Danny Abriano. Quite a rational take against the panic-buying situation for the NY Mets. With most of the big names already signed by the franchises, the Mets still cannot match the loaded roster of the Dodgers by opting for last-minute shots-in-the-dark now. So, it would be better to build a sustainable team looking at the World Series and also one that can contend year-to-year.

Nevertheless, having an “all-star” team like the Dodgers provides no guarantee of winning the World Series apart from getting media attention and buzz. Remember the 2024 performance of the Mets? In fact, they got into the post-season scene even being an underdog. So, it’s all about how the right player got placed in the right position and their on-field performance. Yes, there is no doubt about getting a few big names in the team who come with loads of experience. But in the current situation, chances are low that the Mets would be able to land a few big names.

Reacting to the same, Abriano added, “But Stearns’ philosophy of not handing out megadeals to pitchers older than 30 is a sound one”. Well, amid the assassination going on with the Mets’ strategy this year, this is something a ray of hope for them. Let’s not forget that this is the same strategy that led them to clinch two postseasons in the past three years and land Soto. So, not going dollar-to-dollar with the Dodgers has its value and can be effective in building a future-proof team for the Mets. But, the NY Mets are still half-baked!

What’s Left for the Mets?

There are still a few effective options left for the Mets to tap. With the majority of the big names gone and the Dodgers taking the rest, it is now up to the Mets to make smart moves. How? Going for names who can contribute to the gap areas and yield yearly results. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. may not be a small name and not available via trading but he is on the verge of making it to free agency. The NY Mets should tap that. With Vlad aged just 25 years, he has years left to serve the Mets in their vulnerable base positions. The Mets got Vientos at 1B and Baty and Acuna at 3B, so quite vulnerable to say the least, and someone with 30 HR and 103 RBIs like Vlad will fit the profile the best. So what’s next?

Well, Alonso is yet to find his new home. While the Mets are yet to find his replacement, getting back to the base can be the best way forward for the two. With Vlad and Alonso, the versatility for 1B will be better for the Mets. So yes, a few options do remain for the Mets even though there’s no point going toe-to-toe with the Dodgers instead of strengthening their backward.

With spring season knocking, it’s now or never for the NY Mets to make smart moves despite the risk of overspending. Landing effective names and managing a better farm system will not only help them putting a contending squad but will the Met’s long-term goals. What do you think?