With spring training approaching rapidly, the New York Mets still have unfinished business on their offseason checklist. As camp draws closer, the organization remains focused on strengthening two key areas of the roster: the starting outfield and the pitching rotation. Both needs loom large as the franchise continues its effort to build a team capable of seriously competing for a World Series title in 2026.
The Mets have the financial flexibility and prospect capital to pursue major upgrades, whether that means swinging a blockbuster trade or landing a marquee free agent. Moves of that magnitude would signal a clear win-now approach and could dramatically reshape the roster. However, alongside those headline-grabbing possibilities, the team has also been connected to several veteran players who could serve as short-term solutions or depth pieces. Interestingly, some of those potential targets are familiar faces who have already spent time in Queens.
One such name is Harrison Bader. According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, Bader is a player the Mets are monitoring as they explore options for a starting outfielder. Bader’s connection to the club makes him an especially intriguing candidate, as he previously served as the team’s primary center fielder during the 2024 season.
In addition to outfield help, the Mets are also surveying the pitching market. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the team has shown interest in right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning. Like Bader, Canning has recent experience wearing a Mets uniform, which could factor into how the front office evaluates his fit going forward.
As things currently stand, sportsbooks reflect cautious optimism surrounding the Mets’ long-term outlook. New York sits at +1600 odds to win the 2026 World Series, a number that suggests they are considered contenders but not yet among the elite favorites. That positioning underscores the importance of adding reliable contributors before the season begins.
Bader’s career path since leaving the Mets has been eventful. After his stint in New York in 2024, he spent the following season split between the Minnesota Twins and the Philadelphia Phillies. Minnesota traded him to Philadelphia during a deadline sell-off, and the change of scenery seemed to benefit him. In 2024 with the Mets, Bader appeared in 143 games and posted a slash line of .236/.284/.373, while contributing 12 home runs. Those numbers were respectable but unspectacular, especially for a player expected to provide both offense and elite defense.
The 2025 season, however, marked a resurgence for Bader. Across 146 games, he delivered one of the most productive offensive campaigns of his career, hitting .277 with a .796 OPS and launching 17 home runs. Those totals represented career highs, suggesting that he still has meaningful offensive upside despite moving into his early 30s. Advanced defensive metrics indicate that while Bader has lost a step compared to his peak years, he remains an above-average defender. His ability to play both center field and left field adds to his value, particularly for a team seeking versatility.
The Mets’ interest in Bader becomes even more logical when considering their current outfield situation. Earlier this offseason, New York made the significant decision to trade longtime outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers. In return, the Mets acquired veteran infielder Marcus Semien. The move reflected a philosophical shift by the organization, prioritizing defensive excellence up the middle. Semien is widely regarded as one of the best defensive second basemen in the game, and his presence should stabilize the infield.
Still, Nimmo’s departure left a noticeable hole in the outfield. If the regular season were to begin immediately, the Mets’ projected starting outfield would feature superstar Juan Soto alongside a mix of youth and defense-first options. Top prospect Carson Benge would likely be in the mix, along with Tyrone Taylor, whose primary strength lies in his glove rather than his bat.
Benge is considered one of the organization’s most promising young players, and spring training will give him an opportunity to compete for a starting role. However, there is a strong case for allowing him more time to develop at the Triple-A level before throwing him into a full-time major league role. Rushing prospects can sometimes do more harm than good, especially for a team hoping to contend over multiple seasons.
This is where a player like Bader fits neatly into the puzzle. At 31 years old, he would not represent a long-term commitment, but rather a bridge solution. Signing him to a short-term deal would give the Mets stability in the outfield while allowing Benge to continue refining his game. Bader’s experience, defensive reliability, and improved offensive production make him a low-risk option who could provide immediate value.
Of course, Bader is far from the only outfield possibility on the Mets’ radar. The front office has been linked to more impactful names as well. In free agency, a player like Cody Bellinger would represent a significant upgrade, offering power, positional flexibility, and postseason experience. On the trade market, options such as Jake Meyers, Lars Nootbaar, Luis Robert Jr., Jarren Duran, and others have been mentioned as potential targets. Any of those acquisitions would require a greater investment, but they could also elevate the lineup in a more meaningful way.
On the pitching side, Griffin Canning presents a different kind of opportunity. Canning was part of the Mets’ roster this past season and showed encouraging signs before his year was cut short. Over 16 starts, he posted a 3.77 ERA, pitching effectively and giving the team quality innings. Unfortunately, his momentum came to an abrupt halt in June when he suffered a torn Achilles, an injury that ended his season prematurely.
Now 29 years old, Canning is working his way back from that setback. If he can regain the form he displayed earlier in the year, he could serve as a valuable depth option in the Mets’ rotation. While he may not project as a frontline starter, his presence would help insulate the team from injuries and inconsistency.
That kind of depth is particularly important given the Mets’ current pitching outlook. Several young arms, including Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat, are viewed as future contributors, but relying on them too heavily early in the season could be risky. Adding a veteran like Canning would reduce the pressure on those prospects and allow them to develop at a more natural pace.
If no additional moves are made before spring training, the Mets are expected to enter camp with a rotation headlined by Nolan McLean, one of the organization’s most exciting young pitchers. He would be joined by Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, David Peterson, and Kodai Senga. While that group has upside, it also comes with plenty of uncertainty. Injuries, performance fluctuations, and workload concerns are all potential issues, making additional pitching depth a prudent investment.
Beyond mid-tier additions like Canning, the Mets have also been connected to some of the most sought-after arms in baseball. Free agent Framber Valdez has reportedly drawn interest from New York, and trade candidates such as Tarik Skubal and Freddy Peralta have been mentioned as possible targets. Each of those pitchers would significantly upgrade the rotation and change the team’s competitive outlook.
Among them, Skubal stands out as a dream scenario. The left-hander has established himself as one of the game’s premier pitchers, and he would instantly become the ace of the Mets’ staff. However, acquiring him would not come easily. Even if the Detroit Tigers are willing to listen to offers, the price would almost certainly be steep, requiring a substantial package of top prospects and possibly major league talent.
Ultimately, the Mets find themselves at a crossroads as spring training approaches. The foundation of a competitive roster is in place, but key decisions remain. Whether the front office opts for bold, headline-grabbing moves or more modest veteran additions, the choices made in the coming weeks will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s 2026 aspirations. Adding stability in the outfield and depth to the rotation may not dominate headlines, but those moves could prove just as important over the long grind of a championship-caliber season.
