All Mets free agents signing the 2022-23 offseason
NEW YORK — Just two years ago, Steve Cohen, in buying the Mets, warned the public that he and team officials would not “spend like drunken sailors” in their quest for a revamped roster. For two winters, Cohen clung to that ideal, keeping his expenses (relatively) modest.
Then everything changed. So far this offseason, the Mets have committed a major league-record $806.1 million to free agents, in addition to more than half a dozen other deals. It can be hard to keep track of everything, so here’s a look at every major league player the Mets have added since the World Series finale.
*Deals with an asterisk are not yet official and are not confirmed by the team.
3B Carlos Correa12 years, $315 million *
The surprise of the offseason, Correa agreed to a 12-year contract with the Mets after his 13-year, $350 million contract with the Giants fell through due to fitness concerns. Correa will play third base for the Mets, forming a potent left side of the infield with Francisco Lindor.
FROM brandon nimmo8 years, $162 million
A fan favorite in Flushing, Nimmo scouted interest from teams including the Giants and Yankees before returning to the Mets in what was (briefly) his most expensive contract of the offseason. He’s already been with the organization for 12 years and has a good chance of becoming a Met for life.
RHP Edwin Diaz5 years, $102 million
The Diaz signing was the first significant move by any team this offseason, as the Mets moved quickly to secure their All-Star closer. His contract includes a $20 million option for the 2028 season, giving fans ample opportunity to hear “Narco” at Citi Field for the next half decade.
RHP justin verlander2 years, $86.6 million
It says something about the Mets’ offseason that Verlander’s deal seems downright cheap compared to others. The three-time Cy Young Award winner and former MVP signed to replace Jacob deGrom at the top of the Mets’ rotation. His contract includes a $35 million vest option for 2025 and matches the Max Scherzer deal for the highest average annual value in Major League history.
RHP kodai senga5 years, $75 million
The offseason wild card is Senga, a six-time Japan Series champion who became an unrestricted free agent in November. the mets he picked it up with a view to making him their No. 3 starter, though Senga will need to prove that his signature “ghost forkball” can be just as potent against MLB hitters as it was across the Pacific.
LHP jose quintana2 years, $26 million
Completely overshadowed by the Mets’ flashier signings was his two-year contract for Quintana, an 11-year veteran who produced a 2.93 ERA in 32 starts for the Pirates and Cardinals last season. Quintana should sit fourth in the rotation behind Scherzer, Verlander and Senga.
C. Omar Narvaez2 years, $15 million *
Dissatisfied with offensive production from receivers James McCann — who was traded to the O’s a week after this deal — and Tomás Nido, the Mets reached an agreement with Narváez, a left-handed hitter who is also skilled behind the plate. The deal should give top prospect Francisco Alvarez more time to improve defensively in the Minors. Includes an opt-out after year 1.
RHP Adam Piccolo2 years, $14.5 million *
Mets fans are all too familiar with Ottavino, a New York native who played Robin in Diaz’s Batman in the 2022 bullpen. returning on a multi-year deal (with an opt-out after the next season) to set up Diaz once again.
RHP david robertson1 year, $10 million
The Mets didn’t acquire Robertson at the 2022 trade deadline despite having an interest in him. Five months later, they made sure the 14-year veteran never got out of hand again. Robertson will join Ottavino as another superior option for right-handers to install Diaz.
• The Mets Traded for Rays left-handed reliever Brooks Raleywho will earn $4.5 million next season and is under team control through 2025.
• Dealt struggling McCann to the Orioles with cash for a player to be named later, and will assume $19 million of the $24 million remaining on his contract
• The team right-handed reliever selected Zach Greene of the Yankees in the Rule 5 Draft.
• Right-handed pitchers Elieser Hernández and Jeff Brigham He came in a trade with the Marlins to provide launch depth.
• Right-handers Stephen Ridings and William Woods and left-hander Tayler Saucedo arrived on waiver claims. They will compete for bullpen spots.
In summary, the Mets added 16 players from outside the organization to their 40-player roster, including an $806.1 million commitment to free agents.