MACK - IN FOCUS - Anthony Kay, 2026 Pen, Max Scherzer, Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, Brett Banks, SN All-Stars, Shane Bieber, AFL Exit Velocity, Kyle Schwarber

 

Jon Heyman                       @JonHeyman

                                        PC - Ernest Dove

Lefty Anthony Kay, the Mets' 2016 first-round pick, is expected to return to MLB after two years in Japan. He led NPB this year in groundball rate (57.8%) while setting Yokohama's single season ERA record (1.74) and pitching 155 innings. His fastball averaged 94.6 MPH.

@TonyBuckets18

 

Three questions facing the New York Mets this offseason

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/three-questions-facing-the-new-york-mets-this-offseason/ar-AA1OQ1Is

3. What will the Mets bullpen look like in 2026?

While Diaz is an important part of the Mets' success, he is not the only reliever that could depart this offseason. Ryan Helsley, Ryne Stanek, Gregory Soto and Tyler Rogers are slated to reach free agency. Relievers Reed Garrett and Dedneil Nunez will miss the 2026 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Although Stearns has typically not spent significant amounts on the bullpen, he may not have a choice.

The Mets do have one potentially intriguing option already on the roster. Senga spent time in the bullpen early in his career Fukuoka Softbank Hawks. His splitter could be devasting in as reliever, potentially giving the Mets a high leverage option should be struggle as a starter in spring training.

 

4 MLB free agents about to raise their price tags in the World Series

https://fansided.com/mlb/free-agents-teams-watching-world-series

Max Scherzer, P, Toronto Blue Jays

We already know that Kershaw won’t return in 2026, but what about Scherzer? The three-time Cy Young winner’s best days are definitely behind him, and he posted a career-worst 5.19 ERA over 85 innings. Scherzer turned 41 in July and has indicated that he’s open to pitching in 2026, so long as he winds up with a playoff contender. That likely rules out the Colorado Rockies, not that anyone should have imagined they’d even bother offering Scherzer a contract.

The best-case scenario for Scherzer in 2026 is that he fills the role of a grizzled veteran who steps into a fifth starter role and performs adequately. It’s worth noting that Scherzer’s 6.4% walk percentage is right in line with his 6.5% career average, so he hasn’t lost control just yet. So long as the Blue Jays still believe in Scherzer, we won’t be surprised if he returns to Toronto next season.

Potential suitors: Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, New York Mets

ESPN Projects $400M for Kyle Tucker, $300M for Bo Bichette in 2025 MLB Free Agency

ESPN analyst Jeff Passan forecasts a robust 2025 MLB free agency market, with Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker potentially securing a 12-year, $400 million deal due to his elite defense and hitting. Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette could land under $300 million despite defensive concerns, while players like Alex Bregman, Cody Bellinger, and Pete Alonso eye $100 million to $200 million contracts amid interest from teams including the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies. Pitchers Framber Valdez and Dylan Cease add depth to the class, as teams navigate luxury tax limits during roster rebuilds.

 

Ernest Dove                       @ernestdove

Mets RP prospect Brett Banks racking up Ks in AFL action.  Curious where he ends up affiliate wise in 2026 out of camp.

@BrettBanks8

MACK – The Dove-mon knows how much I’m invested in Banks these days (can’t use the word “bet” right now…). I expect, the lastest, for him to be a major player in the 2027 bullpen.

 

New York Mets                 @Mets

Congratulations to Pete Alonso, Juan Soto, and Edwin Díaz on being named to the Sporting News NL All-Star Team!

4 MLB free agents about to raise their price tags in the World Series

https://fansided.com/mlb/free-agents-teams-watching-world-series

Shane Bieber, P, Toronto Blue Jays

Bieber looked sharp after returning from Tommy John surgery and joining the Blue Jays in a midseason trade with the Guardians, posting a 3.57 ERA and a 37-7 K-BB ratio in 40 1/3 innings. Interestingly, his 4.4% walk percentage marked a career low and was well below the 5.5% he’s averaged since debuting in 2018. Could that be a sign of things to come, or is it nothing more than a small sample size?

Even if Bieber has to settle for a one-year deal, he’s at least positioned himself to cash in. Why wouldn’t a team like the Yankees or Brewers pony up for a one-year, $13 million deal if they believe they can get something similar to the Bieber of old? Something tells us that Bieber is in for a phenomenal World Series performance, and it could be enough to secure the Blue Jays’ first championship since 1993.

Potential suitors: Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers

Thomas Nestico                               @TJStats

Arizona Fall League Max Exit Velocity Leaders

 

Kyle Schwarber

https://fansided.com/mlb/these-6-contenders-can-offer-kyle-schwarber-a-better-running-mate-than-bryce-harper

1. New York Mets

Running mate: OF Juan Soto

I'm skeptical that the Mets would actually pursue Schwarber as aggressively as they'd need to in order to get a deal done. Giving up draft compensation plus a nine-figure contract to a 32-year-old DH does not seem like David Stearns' M.O., and there are certainly other matters that need tending to.

But man, what if? New York needs a DH with Starling Marte moving on, and they'll need to replace Pete Alonso's pop somehow if the Polar Bear finally walks this winter. Soto, Schwarber and Francisco Lindor would be one heck of a heart of the order for opposing pitchers to navigate, and it would take a bit of pressure off of a young pitching staff in flux. Again, Phillies fans would never let him forget it, but something tells me getting to play with Soto (again) would help ease the sting.