The New York Mets are opening up spring training with a brand new vibe.
After dishing out the largest contract in Major League Baseball history to generational slugger Juan Soto, the Mets suddenly seem to be a go-to destination for the best players in baseball. It appears that if billionaire owner Steve Cohen wants a player, he is willing to exceed any other offers out there to bring him in.
And that willingness to spend could now play a big part in the MLB landscape next winter. After Toronto Blue Jays four-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. vowed to test free agency following the 2025 season, the Mets have emerged as a likely landing spot for him.
Responding to MLB.com’s prompt asking if the Mets would “figure to be the favorites to sign Vlad,” baseball insider Mark Feinsand wrote that he favors Cohen’s club in a coming bidding war.
“Vladdy is that type of hitter, and just as we saw with Soto this winter, stud free agents at the age of 26 don’t come around very often,” Feinsand wrote. “If the Mets want him, I find it hard to believe that they will be outbid.”
One big determination for the Mets’ interest in adding Guerrero could be the fate of homegrown slugger Pete Alonso. The Mets’ long-time first baseman has agreed to return to the team after a prolonged free agency, accepting a short-term contract that would allow him to re-test the market after the 2025 season.
If he performs well at the plate this year, Alonso will likely seek a larger contract next winter, giving the Mets a clear avenue to seek out a replacement first baseman. And it would be hard to imagine a more impactful replacement than Guerrero.
“If there is one thing we have learned, it’s that the Mets are going to be in play for any free agent that piques their interest,” Feinsand added. “With Alonso potentially opting out of his contract after this season, there could be an opening at first, where Vladdy would pair nicely in the lineup with Juan Soto.”
Guerrero is projected to command a contract worth more than $427 million over 12 years, per Spotrac, so even with Cohen’s largesse, the Mets would have to be strongly interested in Guerrero to ultimately land him.
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