Mets Already Climbing Power Rankings Before Free Agency Frenzy

The past two seasons have been formidable for the New York Mets, as back-to-back years failed to provide postseason baseball despite boasting a payroll at the top of the league. In 2027, the goal is clear: not only to return to the postseason, but to make a deep run and vie for a World Series ring.

To get there, there will be lots of work for President of Baseball Operations David Stearns to do this offseason. Despite going all in last winter, the Mets ended up sellers at the trade deadline and have more holes on their roster than they would otherwise because of that. Still, the foundation is there for New York, but Stearns has the difficult task of building a strong house on top of it.

The Athletic released its new ‘Way-Too-Early’ power rankings for the 2027 campaign after last night’s World Series finale, in which the Milwaukee Brewers took home the top prize in baseball in five games. While the offseason madness hasn't started yet, New York shot up in The Athletic’s power rankings – indicative of what’s expected to be another aggressive offseason from the club.

New York finished in last place in the NL East in 2026 and 14 games below .500. For a talented squad like the Mets, there is simply no excuse. Luckily, owner Steve Cohen is still bought into the dream for his club.

There’s no doubt the Mets will be players in the sweepstakes for free agency’s biggest names like Tarik Skubal, Adrian Morejon, Teruaki Sato, and more, despite their already massive payroll. Because of this unbridled aggression despite the already massive payroll, it’s nearly impossible not to have serious expectations for the Mets. It’s for that reason that the Mets appear at No. 15 in The Athletic’s power rankings despite finishing the year at the No. 23 spot.

The biggest internal question for the Mets this offseason had to do with Bo Bichette’s option for 2027. His first year in Queens didn’t live up to expectations, and his fit was a little wonky, leaving most to believe Bichette would opt in to his contract for 2027, which he did indeed do on Thursday night. 

With the Bichette question answered, the Mets can focus solely on acquiring the necessary talent to deliver a postseason run in 2027. Pitching is the biggest concern, with serious improvements needed at the top of the starting rotation and in the bullpen. A true Pete Alonso replacement at first base will also be at the top of the priorities this offseason after the failure that Jorge Polanco was last season.

It’s no surprise that the Mets’ top targets this offseason will include the biggest names at each of these areas of need, none bigger than the multi-Cy Young winner Skubal. Mets have been a preferred destination for free agents over the years, and it should remain that way this winter. With their desperation for postseason success and the money available to make it happen, it’s no wonder why they are already jumping up the power rankings.