Mets predicted to sign $7M southpaw, former Braves World Series champion to reunite with AJ Minter

Hunter Cookston

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Mets predicted to sign $7M southpaw, former Braves World Series champion to reunite with AJ Minter image

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The New York Mets are off to a rough start this offseason, trailing the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies in terms of activity. Their struggles began when Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso decided to part ways with the organization.

“First baseman Pete Alonso and the Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a five-year, $155 million contract, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Alonso, after failing to get the long-term deal that he coveted, made $30 million with the New York Mets in 2025 and was worth every penny as he rebounded to slash.272/.347/.524 with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs, batting behind Juan Soto for the first time. However, the Mets did not make Alonso an offer, sources confirmed to ESPN,” ESPN wrote.

However, Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns believes fans should be patient with the current roster.

“I also understand that our fans naturally have an attachment, as we do as well have an attachment, to players who have been here and have performed here for a long time. And we do take that into account, and it is part of the decisions that we have made,” he said. “We also have to be very cognizant of making the decisions that are going to allow us to compete now and also fit in with the future years when we want to consistently be a World Series-caliber team and World Series-caliber organization.”

Rising Apple’s Kevin Ranoff suggests the Mets should target former Braves and World Series champion Sean Newcomb.

“Only eight left-handed relievers pitched 70 or more innings last season, and of those pitchers, Sean Newcomb ranks second in ERA with a 2.19. For a bullpen that finished the 2025 season with the second-most innings pitched in all of baseball, signing a player who has experience being a workhorse adds a sense of durability that this bullpen needs,” Ranoff wrote.

The Mets need to make moves quickly before the offseason window closes and fan frustration grows. While bringing in Newcomb may not excite casual fans, his proven durability and performance could make a significant impact.

Newcomb, once a starter, has been successfully converted to the bullpen—a move that has worked well. Bringing him to Queens could be a major boost for the Mets’ pitching staff.

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