The New York Mets are gearing up to be major players in the pitching market this offseason, with starting pitching at the top of their priority list. According to MLB analyst David Brown of Deadspin, one bold prediction has the Mets landing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell on a five-year, $155 million deal. This move would signal the Mets’ commitment to bolstering their rotation and positioning themselves as serious contenders in 2025. Let’s break down why Snell makes sense for New York, how he bounced back in 2024, and what the Mets could offer in their quest for pitching supremacy.
Mets’ Rotation Needs a Big Upgrade
The Mets are in need of a rotation overhaul. While they have promising arms like Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Paul Blackburn, and Tyler Megill, the team is expected to be aggressive in free agency to add at least two starting pitchers. With key free-agent veterans such as Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and José Quintana departing, general manager David Stearns has made it clear that securing high-end starting pitching is a priority.
“Starting pitching is certainly a priority for us,” Stearns said at the GM meetings. “We have three free-agent starting pitchers who combined for a lot of starts and innings for us this season.”
The Mets will have the financial flexibility to make a big splash, with owner Steve Cohen willing to “open up the checkbook” if necessary. This could put them in position to land a pitcher like Snell, who represents one of the top options on the free-agent market this winter.
Snell’s Up-and-Down 2024: A Cy Young-Caliber Finish
Blake Snell’s 2024 season was a tale of two halves, but it ended on a high note that re-established his reputation as one of the game’s top pitchers. After signing late in free agency with the San Francisco Giants, Snell struggled early on. In his first three starts, he was lit up for 15 runs over just 11.2 innings, and an adductor strain sidelined him for a brief period.
However, once Snell returned to full health, he was a different pitcher. From July 9 onward, Snell was virtually untouchable, posting a jaw-dropping 1.23 ERA over his final 80.1 innings. During that stretch, he racked up 150 strikeouts, while batters struggled to make solid contact against him—.263 slugging and an average exit velocity of just 86 mph.
Even more impressively, Snell notched a no-hitter on August 2, further solidifying his case as one of the game’s elite arms. His second-half resurgence was a major factor in his high free-agent stock, as he not only returned to his Cy Young-winning form from 2023, but he arguably improved upon it.
From July 9 through season’s end, Snell was the best pitcher on the planet for three months, rattling off 80 1/3 innings with a downright comical 1.23 ERA—MLB Trade Rumors noted. “He fanned a whopping 38.1% of his opponents.”
While his 13.3% walk rate remains a point of concern, Snell significantly reduced his walks in the second half to 10%, which is still above league average but represents clear progress.
Why the Mets Should Target Snell
Blake Snell checks all the boxes for the Mets as they look to shore up their starting rotation. His ability to dominate when healthy, especially in the second half of 2024, makes him one of the most coveted free-agent pitchers on the market. As a two-time Cy Young winner (2018 and 2023), Snell brings elite pedigree to the table, and his recent performance proves that he still has plenty left in the tank.
Here’s why Snell could be a perfect fit for New York:
1. High Ceiling: Despite some early-season struggles and injury issues, Snell’s upside is undeniable. He’s one of the few pitchers who can dominate on the mound with a strikeout rate that rivals the game’s best. Adding Snell to the Mets’ rotation would give them a legitimate top-tier starter alongside Kodai Senga, making the Mets’ rotation one of the most formidable in the NL.
2. Postseason Experience: Snell’s postseason pedigree is another reason the Mets would be wise to target him. His Cy Young in 2018 was no fluke, and his performance in the postseason has shown he can handle pressure-packed situations, which could be valuable come October.
3. Financial Flexibility: With Steve Cohen’s deep pockets, the Mets are in a position to make a significant investment in Snell. A five-year, $155 million deal would give the Mets a top-of-the-rotation arm while allowing them to continue building a competitive roster around him.
4. Healthy and Effective: If Snell can stay healthy, his 2024 performance shows he’s still among the game’s elite. His ability to miss bats and keep hitters off balance with his devastating arsenal of pitches makes him a perfect fit for the Mets’ aggressive pitching strategy.
The Mets’ Offseason Strategy: Making a Splash
As the Mets gear up for a crucial offseason, securing a top-tier starter like Snell could be the first step in solidifying their rotation for 2025 and beyond. With Senga already locked in as their ace, adding Snell would give the Mets a formidable 1-2 punch that could rival any in baseball.
Given their financial resources and need for pitching, it’s not hard to imagine the Mets landing Snell in a deal that reflects his value as one of the top arms in free agency. His second-half resurgence, along with his overall pedigree, makes him an ideal target for New York, and a potential five-year, $155 million deal would make the Mets’ rotation a serious force heading into 2025.
The Mets are in a prime position to contend in the NL East and beyond, and Snell could be the ace they need to get them there. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Queens to see if the Mets pull the trigger on adding one of the most electrifying pitchers in baseball today.
