# Mets Prioritize Rotation and First Base

> Mets need ace pitcher and first baseman after 74-win season.
- Title: Mets Prioritize Rotation and First Base · New York Mets On SI
- Summary: Mets need ace pitcher and first baseman after 74-win season. Mets must sign Tarik Skubal for ace role and find first baseman after 74-win 2026 season.
- Keywords: mets, tarik skubal, first baseman, rotation, offseason, mets president of baseball operations, david stearns, bo bichette, free agent, trade deadline, sports, Prioritize
- Source: New York Mets On SI — https://si.com/mlb/mets/onsi/ranking-mets-top-5-offseason-priorities-01m52g1xqqpy
- Published: 2026-10-19T11:00:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mets, tarik skubal, first baseman, rotation, offseason, mets president of baseball operations, david stearns, bo bichette, free agent, trade deadline, sports
## Mets' 2026 season
The New York Mets turned one of the largest payrolls in baseball into just a 74-win team in 2026.
## David Stearns' plan
President of Baseball Operations David Stearns has a lot of work to do in the offseason.
## Key needs
Clear needs in the rotation and first base, with Bo Bichette's opt-out decision altering 2027 roster.
## Roster redundancies
Clear out roster redundancies, especially in infield where skill sets overlap.
## Move from Vientos and Mauricio
Move on from Mark Vientos and Ronny Mauricio, both out of minor league options.
## Bullpen help needed
Add bullpen help after gutting the group at trade deadline.
## Bullpen cast
Kodai Senga, Dedniel Nunez, Nate Lavender, and Daniel Duarte showed bullpen potential.
## Bullpen vulnerability
Bullpen vulnerable to regression from Senga and Duarte without added veterans.
## Add middle rotation starter
Add veteran starter for middle of rotation to stabilize 2027 rotation.
## Robbie Ray or Kevin Gausman
Robbie Ray or Kevin Gausman could be veteran free agents to add to rotation.
## Add first baseman
Need to find first baseman after botching Pete Alonso replacement plan.
## Jared Young potential
Jared Young showed potential but doesn't fit as everyday first baseman.
## Sign Tarik Skubal
Mets need ace pitcher, Tarik Skubal is two-time Cy Young winner available for signing.
## Skubal's risks
Skubal had elbow scope this year but is safest bet for top rotation.
## Key takeaway

Mets must sign Tarik Skubal for ace role and find first baseman after 74-win 2026 season.