From New York Mets On SI · · 3m
Mets Target Free Agents for October Return
Mets identify five free agents from Brewers and Rays who could boost their playoff chances.
In brief
Mets identify five free agents from Brewers and Rays who could boost their playoff chances. The Mets should sign Jake Bauers, JoJo Romero, Nick Martinez, Brandon Woodruff, or Dustin May to strengthen their roster ahead of next season. Originally reported by New York Mets On SI.
World Series Begins
The World Series starts Friday with the Tampa Bay Rays facing the Milwaukee Brewers in a best-of-seven series.
Mets Prepare for Offseason
The New York Mets watch from home as they prepare for a pivotal offseason after finishing nine games worse than the previous year.
Five Impending Free Agents
Here are five impending free agents from the Brewers and Rays the Mets should consider signing for next season.
Jake Bauers
Jake Bauers, the National League Championship Series MVP, is a breakout first baseman with an .873 OPS and 26 home runs in 144 games.
“The best available first baseman is arguably the national league championship series mvp, jake bauers.”
Bauers' Offensive Strength
Bauers ranks in the 94th percentile in batting run value but has a -8 Outs Above Average defense rating.
Bauers' Playoff Performance
In eight playoff games, Bauers hits .269 with an .864 OPS, a home run, and six RBIs.
JoJo Romero
JoJo Romero, a trusted high-leverage reliever, has a 3.36 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 56.1 innings this season.
Romero's October Success
Romero posts a 1.69 ERA with nine strikeouts across 5.1 innings in October, more effective against right-handed hitters.
Mets Bullpen Needs
The Mets lack experienced left-handed relievers behind closer Devin Williams, with only Nate Lavender and Cionel Perez projected.
Nick Martinez
Nick Martinez, a 36-year-old right-hander, has a 3.10 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP across 180 innings in his first season with the Rays.
Martinez' Postseason Impact
Martinez delivered a pivotal Game 4 performance in the Rays' postseason run, allowing just one run across 5.1 innings.
Martinez' Contract
Martinez has a $20 million mutual option with Tampa Bay for 2027, but it's likely to be declined.
Brandon Woodruff
Brandon Woodruff, a 33-year-old pitcher, hasn't pitched in the postseason but could be healthy for the World Series.
Woodruff's Injury History
Woodruff has not made more than 12 starts since 2022 and has a history of injuries affecting his availability.
Dustin May
Dustin May, a 29-year-old right-hander, has a 4.70 ERA with 144 strikeouts in 145.2 innings this season.
May's Postseason Role
May made one start in the Division Series but has since come out of the bullpen, allowing five earned runs in seven innings.
The key point
The Mets should sign Jake Bauers, JoJo Romero, Nick Martinez, Brandon Woodruff, or Dustin May to strengthen their roster ahead of next season.
