John Sparaco

John Sparaco

Joined: Aug 20, 2024

John Sparaco is a contributing writer for the Mets website On SI. He has previously written for Cold Front Report, Times Union and JKR Baseball, where he profiled some of the top recruits, college players and draft prospects in baseball. You can follow him on Twitter/X: @JohnSparaco

Jun 20, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Boston Red Sox infielder Christian Arroyo (39) runs to second on a double while driving in two runs against the Minnesota Twins during the seventh inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

Oct 4, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the second inning of game one of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Sep 1, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Mike Baumann (55) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Jul 13, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a New York Mets hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Aug 28, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies catcher Drew Romo (3) heads home to score a run in the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

News

The Mets claimed catcher Drew Romo off waivers from the Orioles and designated left-hander Brandon Waddell for assignment.

Sep 30, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Luke Weaver (30) follows through on a pitch against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning of game one of the Wildcard round of the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

News

Despite a rocky finish in 2025, Luke Weaver’s underlying numbers and past postseason track record point to late-inning value.

Sep 26, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Brandon Sproat (40) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

News

The Mets could look inward to address bullpen needs, potentially using young starters in relief roles in 2026.

Oct 20, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco (7) warms up before game seven of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

News

After losing Alonso and Nimmo, the Mets add power and flexibility with Jorge Polanco, despite questions about his fit.

Aug 5, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

News

The Mets have reportedly inquired about White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr., whom they’ve been linked to in the past.

Aug 23, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

News

After losing star closer Edwin Díaz to Los Angeles, the Mets face a pivotal decision at the back end of their bullpen.

New York Mets first base Pete Alonso (20) celebrates a solo home run against Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

News

Mets president David Stearns called free agent Pete Alonso a priority Monday, adding there is no need to meet in person.

Jul 30, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns speaks to the media about the MLB trade deadline before a game against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

News

The Mets are reportedly taking a measured approach to free-agent starters as MLB’s annual winter meetings get underway.

Voted in by the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee, former Mets infielder Jeff Kent is headed to the Hall of Fame.

Jul 13, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a New York Mets hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Mets are among the potential landing spots for Tatsuya Imai, who is reportedly open to playing on the East Coast.

Jul 20, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Devin Williams (38) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Adding Devin Williams helps, but the Mets cannot afford to lose Edwin Díaz as they rebuild a thin relief corps.

Sep 14, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Despite concerns about age and cost, left-hander Framber Valdez offers traits that align with what the Mets need most.