Why aren't the Mets targeting top free-agent pitchers?

As most fans of the New York Mets surely know, the owner of their team is the richest in baseball. While the numbers fluctuate, Steve Cohen is said to be worth around $20B. It’s certainly great having an owner with almost an infinite amount of money, but there’s one caveat – they have to spend it, and spend it wisely.

For his part, Cohen hasn’t been shy about throwing his money around. The team has the second-largest payroll in MLB for 2024, and they have been in the top three since he became owner. What’s curious, however, is where the money is – or isn’t – going.

Case in point is Pete Alonso. The homegrown, fan-favorite first baseman is a free agent after this season, and for some reason, the Mets don’t seem too eager to sign him to an extension. Another example of Cohen being oddly stingy with his money concerns the pitching staff.

It’s a bit of an understatement to say that the Mets’ projected starting rotation won’t instill a lot of fear into hitters. The staff seems to have been built on a wing and a prayer, with guys like Adrian Houser and Sean Manaea expected to pitch a lot of innings. Plus, the team is counting on Luis Severino and Jose Quintana to bounce back from injuries.

The one bright spot is Kodai Senga, who had an impressive rookie campaign. Last year he had over 200 strikeouts and an ERA under three. But, because it’s the Mets, Senga suffered an injury early in spring training and probably won’t play until May.

With their ace sidelined and an otherwise less-than-stellar staff, it’s perplexing why the Mets wouldn’t be looking to bolster their rotation. Currently, there are two pitchers available, neither of which would immediately help the team. Blake Snell went 14-9 for San Diego last year, and his 2.25 ERA was the best in baseball. Jordan Montgomery shined for Texas in the postseason, going 3-1 with 17 strikeouts and a 2.90 ERA.

The price for both pitchers is expected to be high, but clearly Cohen can foot the bill. What he may not want to do, however, is deal with Scott Boras, their agent. Boras – who also represents Alonso – is known for playing hardball with teams, and that’s perhaps why so many of his clients were unsigned going into spring training.

After last year’s debacle, Mets fans are hoping the team has at least a chance to sniff the playoffs this season. But unless the rotation gets shored up – or they have uncharacteristic good luck – once again there may not be any meaningful games played in Queens in October.