New York Mets Not Interested in Superstar Reliever This Offseason
As the New York Mets continue to put together their roster for the upcoming season, they have reportedly turned their attention to bullpen pieces after signing Sean Manaea to a two-year deal.
A big boost will be coming for the Mets this season after they get back closer Edwin Diaz, who missed all of 2023.
Joel Sherman of The New York Post says they are targeting left-handed relievers to fill a spot in their bullpen.
Naturally, there was some idea maybe New York could look to Josh Hader, who is the best reliever on the market, but Sherman made it clear they have no interest in signing him.
"I just know they are very much in the lefty relief market that does not include the best of the group: closer Josh Hader," he writes.
It would have been surprising if the Mets pivoted to Hader, considering their strategy this offseason is avoiding long-term deals.
The star closer is looking to become the highest-paid reliever in MLB history, surpassing the contract that Diaz signed with New York.
Having both these deals on their books wouldn't make sense, especially when they have no plans to truly compete during the 2024 season.
So, with the idea that Hader could be a target of the front office seemingly put to rest, other names on the market the Mets could pursue are now being monitored.
Wandy Peralta is a notable one who was mentioned after he's spent the last three seasons with the New York Yankees.
President of baseball operations, David Stearns, made it clear they would not be getting involved in any deal that ties them up for the foreseeable future, and so far, he's live up to that claim.
