The New York Mets have several notable players exploring the free-agent market this winter, especially in the rotation.
Left-handed pitchers Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana and right-handed pitcher Luis Severino are off the books, leaving the Mets with significant voids in their arsenal.
Fortunately, Mets owner Steven Cohen is abundantly wealthy and an insider believes this winter's top free-agent starting pitcher will call Queens his home in 2025.
"Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns understands the importance of having an ace as they look to build on last season's success and pursue a World Series championship," The Athletic's Jim Bowden wrote Wednesday. "He will always emphasize pitching and defense over everything else and his relationship with (Corbin) Burnes dates back to their (Milwaukee) Brewers days. Owner Steve Cohen is not afraid to outbid the marketplace and I just can't imagine the Mets getting outbid for Burnes. It's a perfect fit for both the player and club."
Burnes has posted a 60-36 record with a 3.19 ERA, 1051-to-254 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .212 batting average against and a 1.06 WHIP throughout his seven-year career, during which he played for the Milwaukee Brewers and Orioles.
The four-time All-Star is the most coveted starter on the free-agent market this winter. His projected market value is roughly $215 million over a seven-year deal, translating to nearly $31 million annually, according to Spotrac.
With Manaea, Quintana and Severino's futures in Queens uncertain, it wouldn't be shocking to see Cohen aggressively pursue Burnes to ensure the Mets have an ace for 2025.
After falling two wins short of making the World Series this season, the Mets will be on a mission to be crowned champions for the first time since 1986. Landing the top available starter on the market is a solid place to start.
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