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Outfielder Juan Soto is baseball’s top free agent this winter. The New York Mets will be in the mix despite potentially spending $600-plus million to sign him. That makes him a priority, but is landing starting pitcher Corbin Burnes more important to president of baseball operations David Stearns?
The hurler has solidified himself as one of MLB‘s most valuable pitchers since 2020. He’s produced 21.7 WAR over the last five years, according to FanGraphs. The only pitcher who has been more valuable during this time is Zack Wheeler (24.7).
Is it concerning that the four-time All-Star has watched his strikeout rate decrease each year from 2021 (35.6%) to 2024 (23.1%)? That’s not a trend anybody wants to see. However, Burnes’ overall production has remained consistent. His 2024 campaign with the Baltimore Orioles included a 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 194 1/3 innings.
MLB Network Radio’s Jim Bowden discussed the Mets’ offseason priorities on Friday. While Stearns would like to sign both Soto and Burnes, the former general manager said the right-handed hurler is New York’s top priority. The other interesting tidbit he shared is that in an ideal world, Stearns’ offseason haul wouldn’t include homegrown slugger Pete Alonso being the Mets’ first baseman in 2025.
Bowden said Stearns wants to acquire Soto, Burnes and someone to play third base (like Alex Bregman or Willy Adames). That would allow Mark Vientos to move across the diamond to first base. It’ll be interesting to see how Alonso’s market materializes and how involved (or not) New York will be.
As for Burnes, signing him won’t be cheap. The Athletic’s Tim Britton projected a seven-year, $217 million deal for the 30-year-old ace.
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