At the 2024 MLB Winter Meetings, the New York Mets entered with a well-defined plan to bolster their bullpen, a key area of concern for the team after an underwhelming performance from their relievers in 2024. However, despite their efforts to secure an impact arm for the upcoming season, their strategy fell apart in dramatic fashion, leaving the team scrambling to reassess its options.
The Mets had set their sights on acquiring a high-profile reliever, one who could stabilize the bullpen and provide the team with a reliable closer or setup man. The target was a seasoned veteran with a proven track record, capable of dominating late in games and holding down high-leverage situations, particularly in the competitive National League East. With an aging rotation and a lineup in flux, the Mets recognized that fortifying the bullpen was critical to their championship aspirations in 2025.
Multiple names had surfaced as potential targets, with the Mets reportedly in discussions with various teams and free agents. They had been engaged in serious talks with a particular reliever—an All-Star closer who had experienced consistent success over the past several seasons. The deal was expected to be one of the major signings of the Winter Meetings, with the Mets on the verge of locking up the player for a significant, multi-year contract.
Unfortunately, the deal quickly began to unravel as the negotiations hit unexpected roadblocks. According to sources close to the situation, several key factors led to the breakdown. First, the reliever’s demands exceeded what the Mets were willing to offer in terms of both salary and contract length. While the Mets had the financial flexibility to make a sizable offer, they were cautious about committing to a lengthy contract for a player entering his 30s, especially given the volatility that often comes with bullpen arms.
In addition to the financial disagreements, other teams—particularly those in the same division—became more aggressive in their pursuit of the reliever, driving up the price and complicating the Mets’ negotiations. The reliever’s interest in joining a contender also played a pivotal role, with reports indicating that several other organizations, including division rivals, offered better opportunities to close games or serve in more prominent roles.
With the bullpen target slipping away, the Mets found themselves at a crossroads. Their original plan to bolster the bullpen with a big-name reliever had fallen apart, forcing them to pivot and consider alternative options. While the team explored the trade market and turned their attention to other free agents, it became clear that their ideal target would not be part of their 2025 roster.
In response to this setback, Mets general manager Billy Eppler and the front office reassessed their approach. Rather than pursuing another high-profile reliever in free agency, the Mets are expected to look for undervalued options or trade for relievers with shorter-term contracts. They may also explore internal options, such as giving more responsibility to younger arms who could develop into key contributors in the bullpen.
The setback at the Winter Meetings left the Mets with fewer immediate solutions, but it also underscored the importance of building flexibility and depth within the bullpen. With the season fast approaching, the Mets’ front office will likely continue to search for ways to improve the bullpen, whether through free agency, trades, or developing their in-house talent. The Winter Meetings may have dealt a blow to their initial plans, but the Mets’ focus remains clear: to build a competitive team capable of making a deep run in 2025.
