The New York Mets may have started this offseason with a few gut punches-losing key players and missing out on some high-profile targets-but they’re not going down quietly. In fact, the front office has hit the gas, making up ground with a string of aggressive moves that signal they’re still very much in win-now mode.
After falling short in the pursuit of Kyle Tucker, the Mets quickly pivoted and landed Bo Bichette in one of the biggest free-agent splashes of the winter. That move alone turned heads.
Then came the trade for Freddy Peralta, a right-hander with frontline stuff who instantly adds credibility to the top of their rotation. And now, according to MLB insider Carlos Gomez, the Mets might not be done yet.
They’re reportedly eyeing a reunion with veteran lefty José Quintana, who could bring some much-needed depth to the back end of the rotation.
Quintana, now 36, is no stranger to Queens. He pitched for the Mets during the 2023 and 2024 seasons after signing a two-year, $26 million deal.
Over that stretch, he was quietly effective, posting a 3.70 ERA across 43 starts and racking up 4.1 bWAR. He wasn’t flashy, but he was reliable-something every contending team needs in its rotation.
In 2025, Quintana suited up for the Milwaukee Brewers and continued to show he’s got plenty left in the tank. He finished the season with an 11-7 record, a 1.291 WHIP, and logged 131.2 innings over 24 appearances.
That kind of workload and consistency at his age is no small feat, and it’s no surprise that other teams are circling. The Padres, Rangers, Tigers, and Rockies have all reportedly expressed interest in the Venezuelan southpaw.
For the Mets, bringing Quintana back wouldn’t be about headline-grabbing fireworks-it would be about stability. With Peralta anchoring the front of the rotation and Kodai Senga expected to return strong, adding a steady veteran presence like Quintana could round out the staff nicely.
He’s the kind of arm who can give you six innings, keep you in games, and take some pressure off the bullpen. That’s gold over the course of a 162-game grind.
But the biggest jolt of energy this offseason came in the form of Bo Bichette. The 27-year-old shortstop officially joined the Mets on a three-year, $142 million deal, and was introduced in a press conference at Citi Field that felt more like a coronation. Bichette didn’t mince words when asked why he chose New York.
“It was very obvious that I wanted to be a Met,” Bichette said. “Mr. [Steve] Cohen and David [Stearns] have put together an organization that is looking to win every single year, has an opportunity to win a World Series every single year, and a roster that backs that up.”
He didn’t stop there. “It’s very exciting to be part of this city, one of the best cities in the world, maybe the best city in the world, some of the best fans in the world,” Bichette added.
“All of that is something I always wanted to be a part of. So, I’m excited to be here and excited to be a Met.”
Bichette brings more than just star power-he brings production. A two-time All-Star and longtime cornerstone for the Toronto Blue Jays, Bichette has been a model of consistency since debuting in 2019.
Over seven seasons with the Jays, he posted a 21.0 bWAR and twice led the American League in hits. Even after an injury setback in 2025, he bounced back with a strong campaign, slashing .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and a 129 OPS+.
“My first priority is winning,” Bichette said. “And obviously this organization is doing everything that they can to do that.
The roster is great, like I said, and then just playing in front of fans like this is a pretty cool opportunity. I’m excited to get out there.”
The Mets still have work to do, and the competition in the National League is fierce. But with Bichette now in the fold, Peralta leading the rotation, and the potential return of a steady hand like Quintana, there’s a clear message coming out of Flushing: this team isn’t rebuilding-they’re reloading.