The New York Mets have the financial muscle to jump into any winter headline, but one of the league’s plugged-in insiders isn’t ready to buy that they’re chasing the top of the market. On Foul Territory Thursday afternoon, FanSided’s Robert Murray said he’s still trying to figure out how aggressive the Mets actually plan to be, even with Steve Cohen’s deep pockets.
Murray didn’t rule out a splash entirely. The Mets did make a huge splash with Juan Soto last year.
But his tone was cautionary.
The Mets’ front office, now fully aligned under David Stearns, appears more focused on pitching efficiency and defensive improvement than throwing nine-figure deals at elite arms. That’s Stearns’ blueprint, which he brought with him from small-market Milwaukee, is to build depth, not headlines, and avoid the emotional overpays that can cripple a roster for years. For example, Frankie Montas.
“I just don’t know the caliber of player they’re going to be able to go out and sign,” Murray said. Noting that Cohen’s checks haven’t automatically translated to the top talent around the field.
The Mets are expected to shop for arms — yes, that’s plural — but the targets are more in the middle-market lane.
So far, the Mets have been connected to Devin Williams, Pete Fairbanks, and other bullpen upgrades, but not to the top-end bats or frontline starters that headline the winter conversation. Murray also pointed out the Mets need to fix their defense, an indirect sign they may spread resources across multiple holes rather than pour everything into one superstar.
Could they pivot? Always.
Cohen’s presence alone means the Mets can be in on anyone if the right opportunity hits the table. But the early read — and Murray’s read — is that this winter looks more practical than explosive. The Mets want to get better, but maybe not louder.
Still, one Cohen-sized check can change the entire tone of the offseason in five minutes. And until that possibility is off the board, no one’s counting the Mets out.
