By Sunday 
Three Free Agent Acquisitions the New York Mets Can Target to Elevate Their Roster and Compete with the Dodgers
The New York Mets may not be the ones currently grabbing headlines in free agency, but there’s still plenty of reason for their fans to stay hopeful. With the Los Angeles Dodgers continuing to make moves that bolster their roster, the Mets are in a position to respond with a few key signings of their own—acquisitions that could turn their playoff hopes into serious championship contention. Here’s a look at three free agents the Mets should act fast to secure before their rivals can make another big splash.
1. Jurickson Profar: A Versatile Playmaker
Jurickson Profar’s breakout 2024 season makes him an ideal candidate for the Mets’ roster. The 31-year-old has established himself as one of the most versatile players in the league. With a .280 batting average, 24 home runs, and 85 RBIs in 2024, Profar is more than just a steady contributor—he’s a playmaker capable of anchoring the Mets’ lineup. His ability to move between positions gives the team flexibility, particularly in the corner infield, an area the Mets have struggled to solidify.
Profar’s impressive plate discipline, with a career-best 23.3% chase rate and 15.9% strikeout rate over the past four seasons, would seamlessly complement the Mets’ patient and disciplined approach at the plate. The Mets could land him on a reasonable two-year, $26 million deal, which would allow them to remain flexible for future moves. This low-risk, high-reward signing could turn into a major asset as the team gears up for a competitive 2025 season.
2. Danny Coulombe: A Reliever Who Can Bridge the Gap
The Mets’ bullpen has been a key focus in recent seasons, and adding Danny Coulombe could help solidify one of the most important parts of their pitching staff. The veteran lefty has demonstrated consistency in recent years, posting elite numbers with the Orioles, including a 5.7% walk rate in 2023, which ranked him in the 87th percentile. His ability to limit walks and generate swings and misses—thanks in part to his deadly sweeper pitch—could help the Mets tighten up a bullpen that has struggled with free passes.
Coulombe’s 2023 season was particularly impressive, boasting a 3.06 xERA and limiting opponents to just a .120 batting average against his sweeper in 2024. His low-risk profile, coming off an injury-plagued few years, could make him an affordable one-year addition that could provide immense value in bridging the gap between starters and the back-end relievers, AJ Minter and Edwin Díaz.
3. Jack Flaherty: A Reliable Veteran Starter
While the Mets’ pitching rotation appears solid at the top, the back end remains a bit uncertain. Jack Flaherty, once a star in St. Louis and a key contributor to the Dodgers’ World Series win in 2024, is an ideal candidate to stabilize the Mets’ rotation. Despite his struggles in 2024, his pedigree and his previous form in 2019—a year in which he posted a 3.17 ERA and 194 strikeouts—make him a tantalizing option for a team in need of depth.
Flaherty’s underlying metrics also show promising signs of recovery. His 30.7% chase rate and 32.1% whiff rate in 2024 demonstrate his ability to get outs in critical situations. If the Mets can bring him in on a reasonable contract, he could provide the kind of consistency and stability that makes a difference in the playoffs. Adding a pitcher with his experience could give the Mets the extra edge they need to make a deep run into October.
Why the Mets Should Act Quickly
The Mets have an opportunity to strike while the iron is hot. While the Dodgers are stacking their roster with top-tier talent, the Mets should use this moment to build a balanced team capable of challenging for the postseason. Adding Jurickson Profar’s bat, Danny Coulombe’s relief pitching, and Jack Flaherty’s veteran presence to their ranks would immediately make the Mets a more dangerous team in 2025. With a little action, they could turn their playoff dreams into a legitimate championship pursuit.