This winter, the New York Mets have a number of key players, particularly in their pitching rotation, testing the free-agent market. Left-handed pitchers Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana, along with right-hander Luis Severino, are no longer under contract, creating substantial gaps in the team’s pitching staff. However, with the considerable wealth of Mets owner Steven Cohen, an insider predicts that the top free-agent starting pitcher this offseason will be joining the team in Queens for the 2025 season.
“Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns understands the importance of having an ace as they look to build on last season’s success and pursue a World Series championship,” The Athletic’s Jim Bowden wrote Wednesday. “He will always emphasize pitching and defense over everything else and his relationship with (Corbin) Burnes dates back to their (Milwaukee) Brewers days. Owner Steve Cohen is not afraid to outbid the marketplace and I just can’t imagine the Mets getting outbid for Burnes. It’s a perfect fit for both the player and club.”
Burnes has compiled a 60-36 record with a 3.19 ERA, a 1051-to-254 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a .212 batting average against, and a 1.06 WHIP over his seven-year career with the Milwaukee Brewers and Baltimore Orioles. The four-time All-Star is the most sought-after starting pitcher in this winter’s free-agent market. His projected value is around $215 million for a seven-year contract, which equates to nearly $31 million annually, according to Spotrac. With the futures of Manaea, Quintana, and Severino in doubt, it wouldn’t be surprising if Mets owner Steven Cohen pursues Burnes aggressively to secure an ace for the 2025 season. After narrowly missing out on a World Series berth this year, the Mets are focused on capturing their first championship since 1986, and signing the top free-agent starter would be a strong first step toward that goal.
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