Mets' Top Free-Agent Targets Include Surprising Name in Top Three

The New York Mets have several major needs to address this offseason after finishing with a disappointing 74-88 record.

And a new ranking of potential free-agent targets suggests the team should prioritize more than just starting pitching.

In a list published Thursday by SNY, Danny Abriano ranked his top 10 free-agent targets for New York this winter.

Two familiar names topped the list, but the third selection was particularly interesting.

Left-hander Tarik Skubal ranked first, followed by Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato and San Diego Padres reliever Adrián Morejón.

Skubal's inclusion comes as little surprise.

The two-time American League Cy Young Award winner is expected to command one of the largest contracts on the market, and the Mets need an established ace to complement their promising young rotation.

New York already has Nolan McLean, Christian Scott and Zac Thornton among its potential starting options for 2027.

The possibility of adding Skubal has generated interest within the Mets' young pitching staff, although signing him would require a substantial financial commitment.

Sato's second-place ranking also reflects a significant organizational need.

The 27-year-old won Japan's Central League Triple Crown in 2026, hitting .306 with 39 home runs and 106 RBIs for the Hanshin Tigers.

The Mets have already been connected to Sato, who received approval to pursue an MLB career earlier this month.

Although he has primarily played third base in Japan, Sato could potentially provide the long-term answer at first base.

Morejón's placement at No. 3 is perhaps the biggest surprise.

The Padres left-hander has emerged as one of baseball's most effective relievers, posting a 2.58 ERA and 248 strikeouts across 223 1/3 innings over the past three seasons, according to SNY.

Abriano identified Morejón as a potential late-inning solution for a Mets bullpen facing uncertainty around Devin Williams and Kodai Senga.

The ranking also included Padres starter Michael King at No. 4 and former Mets pitcher Clay Holmes at No. 5.

Toronto starter Kevin Gausman ranked sixth, followed by reliever Jonathan Loáisiga, first baseman Ty France, Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia and Astros reliever Bryan Abreu.

The list is Abriano's assessment of the Mets' ideal targets, not a report that New York is actively negotiating with those players.

Still, the rankings illustrate the decisions facing president of baseball operations David Stearns as the Mets prepare for an offseason that could reshape their pitching staff, bullpen and infield.