# Mets Target Free Agents for October Return

> Mets identify five free agents from Brewers and Rays who could boost their playoff chances.
- Title: Mets Target Free Agents for October Return | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: mets, brewers, rays, jake bauers, jojo romero, nick martinez, brandon woodruff, dustin may, free agents, offseason, mlb, world series
- Source: New York Mets On SI — https://si.com/mlb/mets/onsi/5-impending-free-agents-still-playing-in-october-who-should-interest-the-mets-01m5d5rqb1kd
- Published: 2026-10-21T23:00:02+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: mets, brewers, rays, jake bauers, jojo romero, nick martinez, brandon woodruff, dustin may, free agents, offseason, mlb, world series
## 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.
## Key takeaway

The Mets should sign Jake Bauers, JoJo Romero, Nick Martinez, Brandon Woodruff, or Dustin May to strengthen their roster ahead of next season.