Mets Make Quiet Moves as Offseason Questions Linger
The Mets added a pair of arms to their system this week, signing right-handed pitchers Tyler Burch and Ofreidy Gómez to minor league deals. While these aren’t blockbuster moves, they’re part of a broader effort to build depth and take calculated chances on talent that could pay off down the road.
Burch, a righty with some intriguing upside, is coming off elbow surgery but is expected to be ready to pitch this season. The Mets are clearly banking on his recovery going smoothly-and if it does, they might have a useful bullpen piece on their hands. Gómez, meanwhile, brings a live arm and another layer of competition to the organization’s pitching depth chart.
But while the Mets are making these smaller additions, the bigger picture remains cloudy. Several key players have departed, and so far, the front office hasn’t made the kind of splashy moves fans were hoping for to fill those gaps. There’s still time, of course, but the clock is ticking-and expectations are high in Queens.
Insiders around the team have started to weigh in. There’s a growing sense that the Mets’ offseason shakeup wasn’t just about performance-it was about shaking off the dust that had settled on a core that, while talented, may have grown a bit too comfortable. The front office seems intent on changing the culture as much as the roster.
Still, some of the fan base is beginning to get restless. Owner Steve Cohen, once viewed as a savior with deep pockets and big dreams, is starting to feel the heat.
But as one columnist put it, there’s still time to flip the script. A few bold moves-or a surprise breakout or two-could change the narrative quickly.
One name Mets fans will get to know better soon is Luke Weaver. He’s not just another pitcher trying to find his footing-he’s also known for being one of the more colorful personalities in the game. If nothing else, he’ll bring some life to the clubhouse.
And then there’s Jeff McNeil. The versatile infielder found out he’d been traded in a moment that was, let’s just say, less than ideal. It’s a tough business, and moments like that serve as a reminder of just how abrupt change can be in this game.
Around the NL East
Bryce Harper is gearing up for a different kind of spotlight this spring. He’s committed to suiting up for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, trading in his Phillies red for the red, white, and blue. For a player who thrives on big moments, this one should be right in his wheelhouse.
Around the Majors
Elsewhere in the league, the White Sox locked up lefty Sean Newcomb on a one-year, $4.5 million deal. The Cubs added reliever Jacob Webb on a one-year contract with a club option for 2027, giving their bullpen a bit more flexibility. And the Pirates made a notable move by signing first baseman Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year, $29 million deal-a clear signal they’re looking to add some power to the lineup.
Finally, a tip of the cap to the Mets’ minor league infielders who’ve moved on from the organization this past year. Player development is the quiet engine of any successful franchise, and those names-though not always in the headlines-played their part.
As the offseason rolls on, the Mets’ next moves will tell us a lot about where this team is headed. The pieces are shifting, but the picture isn’t quite clear yet. Stay tuned.