As the MLB offseason winds down for the holidays, it’s a good time to check in on the Mets’ former free agents-and where they’ve landed. New York entered the winter with 15 free agents on the books, including a few non-tendered players. While some are still unsigned, a number of familiar names have already found new homes-and in several cases, secured significant paydays.
Here’s a breakdown of where key former Mets have signed, how their deals are structured, and what it all means moving forward.
Pete Alonso - Baltimore Orioles (5 years, $155 million)
Let’s start with the headline move. Pete Alonso is officially a Baltimore Oriole, inking a five-year, $155 million deal that sent shockwaves through both fanbases. The Mets, notably, didn’t even extend an offer-clearly uncomfortable with the long-term commitment Alonso was seeking.
For Baltimore, this is a statement signing. Alonso brings elite power, clubhouse presence, and a proven track record of run production. The Orioles are betting big on a slugger still in his prime, and Alonso now becomes the centerpiece of a young, ascending team with real postseason aspirations.
Edwin Díaz - Los Angeles Dodgers (3 years, $69 million)
This one’s more complicated on the financial side. Edwin Díaz heads west to join the Dodgers on a three-year, $69 million deal that includes deferred money, incentives, and a team option for a fourth year.
L.A. is banking on a bounce-back from one of the game’s most electric closers, whose 2023 was derailed by injury. When healthy, Díaz is a game-changer in the ninth inning. The Dodgers are known for structuring creative contracts, and this one gives them flexibility while still rewarding Díaz handsomely.
Cedric Mullins - Tampa Bay Rays (1 year, $7.5 million + $10M team option)
Cedric Mullins is headed to Tampa Bay on a one-year deal worth $7.5 million, with a team option for 2026 at $10 million (or a $500K buyout). It’s a classic Rays move: buy low on a player with All-Star upside who’s coming off a down year.
Mullins struggled in 2024, especially in the second half, but Tampa has a track record of getting the most out of players in similar situations. If he rebounds, this could be a steal. If not, the Rays can walk away with minimal cost.
Tyler Rogers - Toronto Blue Jays (3 years, $37 million + $12M conditional option)
One of the most durable and effective relievers in the game, Tyler Rogers cashed in with a three-year, $37 million deal from the Blue Jays. There’s also a fourth-year option worth $12 million, triggered by appearance thresholds-a bet that seems likely to hit, given Rogers’ heavy workload in recent seasons.
Toronto gets a sidewinding bullpen anchor who rarely misses time and consistently delivers. For a team looking to solidify late-inning roles, this was a smart, targeted investment.
Ryan Helsley - Baltimore Orioles (2 years, $28 million, player option for Year 2)
The Orioles weren’t done after Alonso. They also added Ryan Helsley on a two-year, $28 million deal, with a player option for the second season. He’ll make $14 million in 2026 if he opts in.
This is a low-risk, high-reward move for Baltimore. If Helsley struggles, he’s likely to stay and try to rebuild value.
If he excels, he can test free agency again. Either way, the Orioles get a hard-throwing late-inning option without a long-term commitment.
Gregory Soto - Pittsburgh Pirates (1 year, $7.75 million)
Pittsburgh made a quiet but solid move by signing Gregory Soto to a one-year, $7.75 million deal. It’s a fair-market contract for a lefty reliever with swing-and-miss stuff and closing experience.
The Pirates have been more active than usual this offseason, and Soto gives them a proven bullpen piece as they try to take a step forward. It’s not a splashy move, but it’s the kind of addition that helps stabilize a young roster.
Richard Lovelady - New York Mets (1 year, $1 million split contract)
The only former Met to return on a major league deal? Richard Lovelady. He signed a split contract worth $1 million, with a higher rate while in the minors-a strategic move that helps the Mets retain roster flexibility.
The plan isn’t for Lovelady to spend much time in Triple-A. This is about keeping him in the system while maintaining depth. It’s a savvy, low-cost way to hold onto a lefty who could contribute in middle relief.
Final Thoughts
While not every Mets free agent has signed yet, the ones who have are making moves that say a lot about how teams view them-and how the Mets are reshaping their own roster. From Alonso’s big-money departure to bullpen arms finding new homes across the league, this offseason has already reshuffled the deck in meaningful ways.
And with a few months still to go before pitchers and catchers report, don’t be surprised if more dominoes fall soon.