Adrián Morejón hasn’t been tied to the Mets much this offseason, but that doesn’t mean the idea should be dismissed. David Stearns has made a habit of surprising people with his moves in past offseasons, and this would fit that mold.
The case starts with the bullpen itself. New York’s relief group was solid in 2026, but after the trade deadline turnover, it looks a lot thinner now. The only left-handed relievers still on the roster are Nate Lavender, Cionel Perez and Jefry Yan, and Lavender is the only one of that trio who seems likely to break camp with the team on Opening Day.
That’s where Morejón changes the conversation. He would give the Mets something they badly need: a dependable left-handed arm who can anchor the group and push the bullpen toward elite territory.
A strong bullpen usually has one thing in common, and that’s a trustworthy lefty. Lavender has shown flashes, but his injury history and limited big league track record leave questions.
Morejón brings a much sturdier résumé.
He’s entering his age-28 season and is expected to seek a multi-year deal. Stearns has generally been cautious about handing out long-term contracts to pitchers, but Morejón has earned that kind of commitment. Over his last three seasons, his ERA has stayed under three, and he has been excellent in the playoffs.
There are other left-handed relief options out there, including Brock Burke, but Morejón stands apart because of that postseason track record. Burke would come cheaper, but with Steve Cohen backing the payroll, financial caution shouldn’t be the deciding factor here.
The bigger obstacle is the qualifying offer attached to Morejón from the Padres. The Mets have been reluctant in the past to chase free agents tied to qualifying offers, and that history makes this a tougher fit on paper.
If he signs elsewhere, San Diego would receive a compensatory draft pick, and the Mets have already taken draft hits because they’ve been among the teams that exceed the luxury tax threshold. Giving up another pick is no small thing.
Still, there are times when the player is worth the cost. That’s especially true for Stearns, who could feel real pressure if this season doesn’t go well.
There isn’t a Brooks Raley safety net in this bullpen. The Mets can bring him back, but at 38 years old, and after a disappointing Phillies stint, there’s no guarantee he has much left.
The financial side also points toward Morejón as a realistic target. Spotrac projects him at $11.9 million annually, with a market value of three years and $35.79 million.
For comparison, Devin Williams got three years and $51 million last season. Williams is a closer, so his price naturally climbs, but Morejón has had far more postseason success, and his four-pitch mix is described as elite.
That’s the heart of it: the Mets should be willing to rethink how they spend if they want to take the next step. Morejón looks like a better investment than Williams was, and he could even make Williams better by working as a high-end setup man. If New York wants to get creative, this is the kind of move that could make a real difference.
In Other News...
Mets Fans Just Got A Concerning Sign About SNYs Future
SNYs latest round of cuts has put a spotlight on how the Mets home network is trying to adapt to a changing media landscape. The network laid off a significant portion of its editorial staff and canceled two of its signature programs, SportsNite and Baseball Night in New York, two shows that had long helped define the channels coverage beyond the game itself.
For Mets fans, the immediate relief is that the broadcasts themselves are not changing. SNY said the teams game telecasts and announcing crew remain under contract, but the broader direction is harder to miss, with the network planning to scale back its website and lean less on freelance help as viewer habits continue to shift. [Read more 🡒]
Mets Add Familiar Veteran As Pitching Depth Suddenly Feels More Important
Pitching depth has a way of moving from background concern to immediate priority in a hurry, and the Mets addressed that by bringing back a familiar arm. New York signed Robert Stock to a one-year major league contract, adding a 36-year-old right-hander who already knows the organization from his time with the club in 2021.
Stock has bounced through international leagues since then, but the appeal here is straightforward: he can cover innings in different roles and give the staff another veteran option. For a team that always has to think about how quickly pitching needs can change, a low-profile reunion like this can matter more than it first appears. [Read more 🡒]
Mets Face One Urgent Roster Decision Before The Lockout
With the lockout looming, the Mets are staring at one clear priority: getting their starting rotation in place before the freeze hits. The offseason has already been defined by the clubs need to stabilize the pitching staff, and the front office appears to know that if there is one area to settle now, it is the group that will take the ball every fifth day.
First base can wait a little longer, at least compared with the urgency on the mound. There are still several avenues the Mets can explore once the lockout lifts, and the market should remain open enough for them to sort through options later. For now, though, the rotation is the piece that feels most pressing, and it is the one decision that could shape the rest of their winter. [Read more 🡒]