4 Mets Offseason Moves That Look Brilliant in Hindsight
The New York Mets entered the 2024-25 offseason facing yet another pivotal juncture in their franchise history. Following a disappointing 2024 campaign marred by underperformance and inconsistency, the front office, led by David Stearns, opted for a more strategic and restrained approach. While the Mets didn’t make the kind of blockbuster splashes that defined previous offseasons, several of their moves are already paying off in 2025. Here are four Mets offseason decisions that now look brilliant in hindsight.
1. **Signing Luis Severino to a One-Year “Prove-It” Deal**
The Mets took a calculated risk when they signed former Yankees starter Luis Severino to a one-year, \$13 million deal. Coming off a disastrous 2023 season, Severino was largely written off by many around the league. However, the Mets bet on his upside, and that bet has paid off handsomely.
So far in 2025, Severino has returned to form, posting an ERA in the low 3s and providing consistent innings at the top of the rotation. His fastball velocity is back up, his command has improved, and he’s once again missing bats. For a team that needed rotation stability after losing Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, Severino has been a godsend. If he keeps this up, the Mets may either re-sign him long-term or flip him for valuable assets at the deadline.
2. **Trading for Tyrone Taylor**
Acquired in a lesser-publicized deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, outfielder Tyrone Taylor wasn’t expected to be a game-changer. But with injuries and inconsistencies plaguing the Mets’ outfield, Taylor has emerged as a critical piece in the lineup.
His power-speed combo has added dynamism to the offense, and his glove has saved countless runs in right field. Taylor has already eclipsed his career highs in home runs and RBIs just two months into the season. This low-risk move is now looking like a masterstroke of depth-building by Stearns, especially given Taylor’s defensive versatility and cost-controlled contract.
3. **Signing Harrison Bader for Defense and Speed**
Another smart, under-the-radar signing was bringing in center fielder Harrison Bader on a short-term deal. The Mets prioritized defense and speed this offseason, and Bader has delivered both in spades. He’s already accumulated several defensive highlights and has helped stabilize the Mets’ outfield defense, which was a weakness last season.
Offensively, Bader has contributed just enough—hitting timely home runs and swiping bases at an efficient clip. His gritty play and postseason experience have added a much-needed edge to the Mets’ clubhouse, and he’s proven to be more than just a defensive specialist. For a team looking to play tighter, cleaner baseball, Bader has been a perfect fit.
4. **Holding Onto Top Prospects Instead of Making Panic Trades
While some fans clamored for the Mets to trade their top prospects for instant upgrades, the front office showed restraint. This decision looks increasingly wise as players like Luisangel Acuña, Drew Gilbert, and Jett Williams continue to thrive in the minors or make spot contributions in the majors.
This patient approach has allowed the Mets to maintain a sustainable pipeline of talent while also remaining competitive. In contrast to previous regimes that often mortgaged the future for short-term gains, the current front office is building a foundation that could support a contending team for years. The presence of these prospects has also given the Mets leverage in any future trade negotiations.
In a season that was initially expected to be transitional, these savvy offseason moves have helped the Mets remain competitive while laying the groundwork for future success. Instead of chasing headlines, the front office focused on value, depth, and upside — and those decisions are already yielding dividends. If this trend continues, the 2025 Mets might not just be a pleasant surp
rise, but a serious contender.
