Mets Make Moves as Offseason Momentum Builds
The New York Mets continue to stay active this offseason, making another roster tweak by acquiring infielder Vidal Bruján from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for cash considerations. To make room on the 40-man roster, left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady was designated for assignment.
Bruján, once a highly touted prospect, brings versatility and speed to the Mets’ depth chart. While he hasn’t fully lived up to the early hype, the Mets are clearly betting on his potential to contribute in a utility role. It’s a low-risk move that fits into a broader pattern of calculated additions aimed at reinforcing the roster without mortgaging the future.
This latest move comes on the heels of what many around the league view as a pivotal week for the Mets. Their recent trade with the Brewers - which brought in right-hander Freddy Peralta - has drawn praise from rival executives, who see the deal as a win for both sides.
Peralta, 29, has shown flashes of top-of-the-rotation stuff, and while he’s under team control for now, there’s already chatter about a possible extension. For his part, Peralta is reportedly open to the idea, though Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns isn’t tipping his hand just yet.
It's worth noting: this is the second time Stearns has traded for Peralta in his career, a sign of just how much he values the righty.
As fans look ahead to the 2026 season, projection systems are starting to weigh in. The latest ZiPS projections for the Mets dropped this week, offering a glimpse at how the team might stack up in a competitive National League.
With the roster taking shape, the question now is whether the Mets are in a better spot than they were a year ago. It’s a fair debate - one that’s generating plenty of buzz among analysts and fans alike.
One thing is certain: the Mets aren’t done shaping their roster. Both the Mets and Yankees have reportedly balked at the steep asking price for Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, signaling that while both clubs are still looking to upgrade, they’re not willing to overpay in a seller’s market.
Meanwhile, Freddy Peralta’s arrival - along with the Yankees’ recent signing of Cody Bellinger - has had ripple effects across the league. These moves have shifted the landscape of the offseason market, tightening the pool of impact arms and bats still available.
Looking further ahead, FOX Sports has released its 2026 broadcast schedule, giving fans a chance to circle key Mets matchups on the calendar. And for those thinking about October, keep an eye on the Mets in the playoff picture. After missing the postseason in 2025, they’re already being pegged as a team with bounce-back potential.
In a more reflective moment, Carlos Beltrán visited the Baseball Hall of Fame in advance of his upcoming induction. He addressed lingering questions about his role in the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, a topic that continues to follow him even as he prepares for Cooperstown.
Elsewhere in the organization, rising prospect Jett Williams took to social media to thank the Mets and their fans, a nod to the growing connection between the club’s young core and its passionate fanbase. The team also announced its player development staff for the 2026 season, signaling a continued focus on building from within.
Around the NL East
The Freddy Peralta trade had a ripple effect beyond Queens. In Washington, some wondered if the deal hinted that the Nationals would hold onto MacKenzie Gore.
That speculation was short-lived - Gore was traded just hours later. The Nats also made a couple of roster moves, claiming right-hander Gus Varland off waivers and designating catcher Riley Adams for assignment.
In Atlanta, attention turned to veteran lefty Chris Sale and what he might bring to the Braves in 2026. The Phillies, meanwhile, continue to balance youth and experience, bringing back left-handed reliever Tim Mayza on a minor league deal. The Good Phight took a thoughtful look at the aging curve of the Phillies’ roster - a reminder that time waits for no team.
The Marlins made a small but strategic move, acquiring prospect Carlos Martinez from the Giants in exchange for international bonus pool space. It’s a deal that speaks to Miami’s long-term approach as they continue to build from the ground up.
Around MLB
It wasn’t just the Mets making moves on Wednesday. The Yankees scooped up former top prospect Marco Luciano off waivers from the Orioles, giving them another intriguing young talent to develop. The Twins bolstered their bullpen by signing lefty Taylor Rogers to a one-year, $2 million deal - and yes, that’s Taylor, not his twin brother Tyler, who ended last season with the Mets.
On the South Side, the White Sox continued to reshape their roster. After trading Luis Robert Jr. to the Mets, they signed LaMonte Wade Jr. to a minor league deal. Across town, the Cubs added outfielder Chas McCormick on a minor league pact.
The Tigers also made a move, signing outfielder Corey Julks to a minor league deal, while across the league, analysts are taking a closer look at how bat speed has influenced the free-agent market this winter - a sign of how analytics continue to evolve the way teams evaluate talent.
The Mets are clearly in motion - not just making moves, but making statements. With the offseason winding down and spring training on the horizon, one thing’s clear: the Mets aren’t content with standing still. They’re building something - and they’re doing it piece by piece.