Mets to Play Long Game After Sasaki Slip-Up
Kicking off the week ahead of the international signing period’s deadline, MLB insiders have revealed that Japanese pitching sensation Rōki Sasaki has narrowed his potential landing spots to just three teams—and the Mets, disappointingly, are not among them.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Diego Padres are the final contenders vying for the 23-year-old phenom.
The finalists for Japanese star right-hander Roki Sasaki are the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays, sources tell ESPN. Sasaki will decide on his team by the closing of his posting window Jan. 23.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2025
Pivot to “Five-Tool” Peña
While missing out on Sasaki stings, particularly given the potential he could bring to the Mets’ rotation, it’s clear the team is already gearing up the pivot to bolstering organizational depth and backup plans. The Mets are reportedly focusing on the long game with high-upside prospects, with a significant portion of the international bonus pool expected to go toward signing Dominican shortstop Elian Peña this week. Known for his smooth fieldwork, lefty line-drive swing, and sky-high potential, the “five-tool” Peña could emerge as a cornerstone of the Mets’ infield for years to come. The connection between Peña and the Mets is long-standing, highlighting the team’s commitment to cultivating infield depth and building a lineup with staying power. While his signing is anticipated this week, the Mets must also address reinforcing other areas of the roster, particularly their pitching and depth/designated hitter role after recent misses.
Reminder that the Mets are expected to sign SS Elian Peña on Wednesday for around $5 million.
The Mets previous record for an IFA signing bonus was $2.85M (Yovanny Rodriguez).
Peña is considered the best player in the period outside of Sasaki.
With the Mets not expected to sign Roki Sasaki (per @martinonyc) … fans should get to know Elian Peña.
Peña is expected to sign with the organization for a bonus in the $5 million neighborhoodhttps://t.co/DGANAmUcNr pic.twitter.com/gRvU3KpI7G
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) January 13, 2025
— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) January 13, 2025
Rotation Revamp
Adding another front-line starter is crucial to lock down the rotation, as Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea are already anchoring the Mets’ starting pitching. Free-agent 29-year-old Jack Flaherty, who has shown flashes of Cy Young potential despite recent inconsistency and injury struggles, could be an intriguing addition. Flaherty’s strong 2024 campaign—13-7 with a 3.17 ERA over 162 innings between Detroit and Los Angeles—might warrant a “Mets Special” short-term, high-value deal to round out the rotation.
The trade market could also offer opportunities, with Dylan Cease of the Padres standing out as a potential target. Though they’ve recently avoided arbitration, dealing Cease is still in the cards for San Diego. The 29-year-old right-handed pitcher would fit nicely into the Mets’ rotation, having put up a 3.47 ERA over 189.1 innings pitched, going 14-11 with a 1.01 WHIP in 2024. If the strapped-for-cash Padres secure Sasaki, their front office might be more inclined to trade Cease, and the Mets could explore an extension to lock him in as part of their longer-term core.
Bullpen Reinforcement
Beyond the rotation, the bullpen still needs reinforcement, especially with a proper late-inning setup situation for closer Edwin Díaz. As I’ve said before, the Mets should seriously consider targeting lefty reliever Tanner Scott, whose fastball-slider combo and high strikeout rate could make him a dominant/high-leverage arm, adding depth and strength to the bullpen. A reunion with David Robertson, who proved reliable in recent seasons, could also bring valuable late-inning flare to the pen. The Mets could surely take advantage of excess support.
Still Need DH, Lefty Pop
Offensively, the Mets must also address the need for a reliable designated hitter, and Jesse Winker could [still] be the perfect fit. Winker, a left-handed bat with a proven track record of power and on-base consistency, offers a firm continuance of offseason push with that swagger we saw from him last year. He’s a consistent on-base-asset, making him an ideal addition to lengthen the lineup. His utility in the lineup/field and the potential for a relatively low-cost deal could make him an excellent value pick for the Mets as they solidify their offensive core.
World Series Loading…
Even with $5 million expected to be allocated to Peña, the Mets have the resources to strategically invest in major league talent and developable prospects. Yes, missing out on Sasaki is disappointing, but shifting from “what could have been” to locking down what’s still needed will only echo a winning tone. Rest assured, Mets owner Steve Cohen and President of Baseball Operations David Stearns are eyeing a championship. It’s all about clever pivots, depth, and eyeing the bigger picture.
