When you think about the Mets’ offseason and what the team will look like at the start of the 2026 campaign, there are a few things that immediately come to mind.
One is the future of the offensive core, which was broken up on Sunday night when Brandon Nimmo was traded to the Rangers for Marcus Semien.
Another is the free agency of Pete Alonso, who could return but whose power would have to be replaced externally if he signs elsewhere.
Then there’s the starting rotation, which will very likely be bolstered in a big way — with a trade for a top-of-the-rotation arm seeming likely.
Regarding the bullpen?
What the relief corps looks like in 2026 will have a lot to do with Edwin Diaz, who — like Alonso — is a free agent the Mets would like to bring back.
As New York goes about rebuilding the bullpen, here’s how things are shaking out…
The Locks
Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter. That’s it.
And Minter, who missed most of last season after surgery to repair a torn lat, will likely be a few weeks behind to start the season.
Apr 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Mets pitcher A.J. Minter (33) reacts during the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rogers, and Gregory Soto — who were all acquired at last season’s trade deadline — are free agents.
Ryne Stanek is also a free agent, and Drew Smith‘s option for 2026 was declined. Smith had been working his way back from Tommy John surgery.
Meanwhile, Reed Garrett and Dedniel Núñez are both expected to miss the entire season after undergoing TJS.
Raley and Minter are both legitimate late-game weapons, and Raley was tremendous in 2025 after returning from his own Tommy John surgery. In 30 appearances over 25.2 innings, he posted a 2.45 ERA (2.12 FIP) and 0.77 WHIP.
The Internal Candidates
Huascar Brazoban figures to be in the mix again, and hard-throwing prospect Dylan Ross could also be a factor.
Other relievers who could compete for roles include Jonathan Pintaro (who made his big league debut last season), Adbert Alzolay (who is on a two-year minor league deal and missed the 2025 season), Justin Hagenman, Brandon Waddell, Richard Lovelady, Alex Carrillo, and Joey Gerber.
But in an eight-man bullpen that has only two locks as of now (and perhaps just one if Minter is delayed), it’s fair to believe the Mets will only rely on one or perhaps two of the aforementioned internal candidates out of the gate.
That means there is tons of work to do.
The External Candidates
I’ve said it a bunch of times this offseason, and I’ll say it again: re-signing Diaz should be the easiest move the Mets make all offseason.
Apr 17, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) enters the field during the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field. / Vincent Carchietta – Imagn Images
Will Sammon of The Athletic recently reported that contract length is currently a “sticking point” between the Mets and Diaz, with New York possibly hoping to keep a potential deal to three years and Diaz wanting five.
To me, that reads like an easy compromise should be doable — offer Diaz four years at right around the same average annual value he was making before he opted out of the final two years of his deal. That would mean a contract worth roughly $80 million.
If another team offers Diaz five years at $100 million or more, it could be understandable for the Mets to not match it. But not going to four years if necessary would be strange, especially considering that the alternative closing options will all almost certainly get multiyear deals.
One of them is Devin Williams, who — like Diaz — was born in 1994. Despite Williams having a relatively down campaign in 2025, his stuff remains elite. Per multiple reports, the Mets have already expressed interest in Williams.
Another option is Robert Suarez, who is entering his age-35 season and has a scintillating fastball. Like Williams, the Mets have reportedly shown interest in Suarez.
There’s also Pete Fairbanks, who is entering his age-32 season and has been one of the best relievers in baseball since 2020. He’s on the market after his option was declined by the cost-conscious Rays.
In an ideal world, the Mets would re-sign Diaz and add one of the above three pitchers as a setup man. But that could be easier said than done, especially if all three have options to close elsewhere.
Other intriguing relief arms on the market include Kenley Jansen, Emilio Pagan, Luke Weaver, and Kyle Finnegan. In the case of Jansen, it’s possible he would want to close since he’s chasing the 500 save mark.
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