New York Mets Only Willing To Sign Impact Bat Under One Condition
Temper your expectations if you are in the crowd that is hoping the New York Mets will sign a designated hitter prior to the 2024 season.
According to SNY insider Andy Martino, the Mets are "unlikely" to add a DH unless the price goes way down.
This should come as no surprise given the Mets' approach this offseason, which is making minor moves, and looking ahead to 2025 as their next window to go for it.
While Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has made it clear that they are going to field a team that can compete for a playoff spot, the club has several holes and their offense is a big question mark.
As it stands, the Mets have two options to improve their offense: J.D. Martinez or Jorge Soler. Both sluggers would slide in at DH and provide protection in the lineup for Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor. But Justin Turner, who the Mets also had interest in, signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for $13 million, so it's hard to imagine Martinez or Soler signing for less.
If the Mets do not land a DH, which appears to be where this is headed, they could sign third baseman Gio Urshela, who they have also shown interest in, to provide insurance at the hot corner in case Brett Baty falters again.
Beyond third base, the Mets are in the process of upgrading their bullpen, as they are nearing a deal with lefty reliever Jake Diekman, per The Athletic's Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal. Diekman struggled with the Chicago White Sox, but had a 2.18 ERA once he joined the Tampa Bay Rays. He will likely join a Mets' bullpen that features Edwin Diaz, Adam Ottavino, Brooks Raley and Drew Smith.
