In a move to bolster their outfield depth, the New York Mets have acquired veteran outfielder Jose Siri from the Tampa Bay Rays. The trade, a one-for-one swap, will see relief pitcher Eric Orze heading to the Rays. This transaction, reported by SNY's Anthony DiComo, addresses a key area of need for the Mets.

Jose Siri, 29, played in 130 games for the Rays last season, achieving a career-high 1.9 WAR. Despite a batting average of .187, Siri provided significant power and speed, hitting 18 home runs, driving in 47 runs, and stealing 14 bases. Over the past two seasons, he has hit 43 home runs in 231 games, while also offering solid defense in center field. However, Siri's 2024 season was marred by a three-game suspension following a benches-clearing brawl with Milwaukee Brewers reliever Abner Uribe.

Eric Orze, the 27-year-old right-handed reliever, has had limited exposure to the major leagues, with only two MLB appearances and a 21.60 ERA over just 1 2/3 innings. He spent the majority of last season with Triple-A Syracuse, where he posted a 2.92 ERA and struck out 84 batters over 61 2/3 innings. Despite his struggles in the majors, Orze has shown promise at the Triple-A level and will look to make an impact with the Rays.

​This trade highlights the Mets' focus on enhancing their roster depth and improving their defensive capabilities in the outfield. As the 2025 season approaches, the addition of Siri provides the Mets with a seasoned outfielder who can contribute both at the plate and in the field, while the Rays gain a potential bullpen asset in Orze. Fans will be eager to see how this trade pans out for both teams in the coming season.

The future of star outfielder Juan Soto appears to be leaning towards a move to one of New York's two baseball teams. According to industry insiders, a fierce bidding war between the Yankees and Mets is expected to determine Soto's next destination.

ESPN New York's Michael Kay has suggested that Mets owner Steve Cohen is prepared to make a "Godfather offer" to lure Soto away from the Yankees. This aggressive approach could involve a contract exceeding $700 million, a figure that might be too steep for the Yankees, who are mindful of luxury tax implications.

While the Yankees have the advantage of familiarity, the Mets' deep pockets and Cohen's willingness to spend could sway Soto's decision. The Mets' recent playoff run and Cohen's commitment to building a championship team could further enhance their appeal to the talented outfielder.

​As the offseason progresses, fans eagerly await the outcome of this high-stakes free agency battle. The future of one of baseball's brightest stars hangs in the balance, and the stakes have never been higher.

The New York Mets have added some depth to their pitching staff, signing right-handed pitcher Justin Hagenman to a one-year major league contract.

Hagenman, 28, spent the 2024 season with the Worcester Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. He posted a 4-6 record with a 4.91 ERA in 28 games (15 starts). Despite the ERA, Hagenman showcased improved performance, particularly with his newly added sweeper pitch.

The right-hander has spent his entire six-year professional career in the minor leagues, accumulating a 3.87 ERA and striking out 9.3 batters per nine innings.

Hagenman's signing provides the Mets with additional pitching depth, especially as they head into the offseason with uncertainty surrounding their rotation.

Left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea has officially declined the New York Mets' one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer. This decision was widely anticipated, as Manaea is expected to pursue a longer-term deal on the open market.

By rejecting the qualifying offer, Manaea will become a free agent. The Mets will receive draft-pick compensation if he signs with another team.

Manaea enjoyed a strong 2024 season with the Mets, posting a 3.47 ERA and a 1.084 WHIP in 32 starts. His performance was particularly impressive in the second half of the season, where he posted a 3.09 ERA over his final 12 starts.

The 32-year-old lefty also made a significant impact in the playoffs, pitching to a 2.65 ERA in 17 innings over his first three postseason appearances. While he struggled in Game 6 of the NLCS against the Dodgers, his overall playoff performance solidified his value as a top-tier starting pitcher.

​As Manaea enters free agency, he is likely to generate significant interest from multiple teams. With his strong track record and recent postseason success, he is poised to command a lucrative multi-year contract.

Mets star P Kodai Senga has a mild strain of the posterior capsule in his shoulder, President of Baseball Ops David Stearns said on Thursday.

Senga is expected to start the year on the IL and obviously, this is a huge blow to the Mets rotation.

New York Mets right-handed pitcher Kodai Senga encountered arm fatigue following a side session during spring training, prompting an evaluation by the team's trainers, manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed on Wednesday.
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"We'll see [about an MRI]," Mendoza said. "We've got to get with the trainers. ... I've got to get more information. But he got on the mound yesterday and today he came in and just overall arm fatigue."

New York is relying on Kodai Senga to anchor its rotation after his impressive rookie season. Alongside Senga, the Mets have strengthened their pitching staff by adding right-hander Luis Severino, left-hander Sean Manaea, and right-hander Adrian Houser through offseason signings and trades.

Senga, a 31-year-old right-hander, signed a significant $75 million, five-year contract with New York in December 2022. His stellar performance last season included a 12-7 record with an impressive 2.98 ERA across 29 starts1. The Mets are hoping to rebound after finishing fourth in the NL East in 2023, and Senga will be a big part of their success...or lackthereof.

Mets SS Francisco Lindor emphasized the importance of self-awareness for players in such situations his teammate and All-Star 1B Pete Alonso is in, with a possible upcoming Free Agent year, stating, "From a player standpoint, you gotta understand who you are." He fexplained to Robert Sanchez of SNY, "I think that’s the most important thing. Understanding who you are and how you perform thinking about [contract] numbers. If you don’t perform [well] thinking about numbers then you should try and get [a deal] done in the offseason, at the beginning of spring training and then don’t worry about it the rest of the season. But if you can talk about numbers and you can talk about the future while you’re in the thick of it, then sure, go ahead and play through it and talk about money in the middle of the year. That shouldn’t be a problem."

"However, I think Pete is in a unique situation because, first of all, not everybody gets to go through this process," Lindor continued. "Second, in a way, he can control his own destiny, and that’s beautiful. If he doesn’t sign now, he’s going to get an opportunity in free agency again with the Mets. Nimmo did it, and there’s other players that have done it as well." ​