The New York Mets came remarkably close to reaching the World Series last season, falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a competitive six-game National League Championship Series (NLCS). This near-miss highlighted how close the Mets are to achieving championship success. With just a few strategic upgrades, they could solidify their roster and become even more formidable in the postseason. In their quest for improvement, the Mets have reportedly turned their attention to bolstering their bullpen by targeting a former All-Star.
According to reports from Mike Mayer of *Metsmerized*, the Mets are exploring the possibility of signing free-agent reliever Mike Soroka. Once an All-Star for the Atlanta Braves, Soroka spent last season with the struggling Chicago White Sox. During the 2024 season, he appeared in 25 games, starting nine of them, before transitioning into a bullpen role in May. This shift appeared to suit him well, as he excelled in relief, posting an impressive 2.75 ERA across 36 innings and tallying 60 strikeouts. His resurgence in the bullpen has caught the attention of several teams, including the Mets.
Injuries have significantly impacted Soroka’s career, but his ability to finish the 2024 season healthy is an encouraging sign. While he may not have recaptured the form that earned him an All-Star selection in 2019, his recent performances in relief suggest he still has plenty to offer. If Soroka can maintain this level of consistency, he could become a valuable asset for the Mets, providing much-needed depth and reliability to their bullpen.
Improving the bullpen is a key offseason priority for the Mets, who ranked 17th in bullpen ERA last season. With key relievers like Adam Ottavino, Drew Smith, and Phil Maton entering free agency, addressing these vacancies is critical. Soroka’s strong showing in relief makes him a natural fit for a team looking to strengthen its pitching staff while maintaining a competitive edge.
In addition to their bullpen needs, the Mets face challenges with their starting rotation. With Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, and Jose Quintana all hitting free agency after combining for 94 starts in 2024, the team must also find replacements for its rotation. Fortunately, the Mets have substantial resources at their disposal, ensuring they can address these gaps and make aggressive moves during free agency. With these upgrades in mind, the Mets appear poised to remain a formidable contender in the coming season.
