As the general managers’ meetings kick off this Monday, eyes will be on the Mets and their newly appointed GM, David Stearns. With owner Steve Cohen’s hefty checkbook at his disposal, the buzz around the league’s ability to sign Juan Soto has grown. Last winter, the Mets made a move by signing Sean Manaea to a two-year, $28 million deal, complete with an opt-out.  

But as David Stearns embarks on his second offseason at the helm, fans can expect a much more aggressive approach in free agency. Previously, the Mets boasted a payroll of approximately $317 million, but that figure has been trimmed to around $158 million this year, accounting for estimated raises for arbitration-eligible players. So what does this mean for the team’s strategy? 

Met’s manager opens up on grabbing Juan Soto in free agency 

In the wake of the Mets’ defeat to the Dodgers in Game 6 of the NLCS, Stearns spoke candidly about the team’s future and chances of signing Juan Soto. “We’ve got financial flexibility, and it means that pretty much the entirety of the player universe is potentially accessible to us,” Stearns remarked according to the New York Post, signaling an exciting direction for the Mets. “That’s an enormous opportunity. I envision us taking advantage of that opportunity and being aggressive in certain spaces.”

That signal to certain places surely means Soto as right now he is the most sought-after player. A significant factor in the Mets’ financial landscape this offseason is the “dead money” from last season, particularly tied to players like Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and James McCann. This money—essentially the contracts for players no longer on the roster—accounts for a sizable chunk of the funds now available. So, with that chunk, who else other than Juan Soto can the Mets make a bet?

Who else can the Met’s take?

There is no denying that Juan Soto will be the most valuable player in free agency this offseason, but there are others who can add value to the crew if not equal to Soto. David Stearns has mentioned wanting to retain the slugging first baseman in the fold, echoing Pete Alonso’s stated wish to remain in New York. As both parties look for areas of agreement on a new contract, this creates the conditions for an interesting negotiating process.

Alex Bregman would be a compelling choice to support third base if the Mets decide to let go of Pete Alonso. Mark Vientos might take over at first base due to this possible change, allowing the Mets to take advantage of his strength and youth. The Mets’ pitching options are changing as they move through the winter. Sean Manaea is a prominent target since he chose to opt out of his contract. Manaea has the most potential of this bunch and might revolutionize the game, but the Mets will have to consider how much they are prepared to spend on the 33-year-old left-hander.

Luis Severino, who managed to stay healthy for a full season, raises questions about whether that durability is sustainable or just a one-off. If the Mets take a chance on him, they’ll need to consider the risk-reward balance. On the other hand, José Quintana could offer a more conservative approach. With David Stearns leading the charge, expect the Mets to carefully evaluate these pitchers and their potential fits for the roster.