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Major League Baseball's general managers gathered in Las Vegas on Tuesday for their annual meetings, with the backdrop of a possible lockout on December 1. While owners and the MLB Players Association work toward a new labor agreement to avoid disrupting spring training or the regular season, front offices have less than a month to shape their rosters for 2027.
For Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, the approach is to remain steady despite uncertainty about future operating rules. "From my perspective, I look at this as a business-as-usual offseason until they tell us otherwise, so we're going through this as though we're going to have a full complete offseason, and I think that's the best way to operate," Stearns told reporters on Tuesday.
The Mets' first order of business is pursuing the top free agent on the market. According to multiple reports, the team will meet with two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal next week. The New York Post's Jon Heyman was first to report the meeting.
Stearns provided further insight into how the Mets might build their team this offseason. Here are three key takeaways from his comments:
How will the Mets address the starting rotation?
Skubal, a 29-year-old left-hander, is the clear prize of this offseason's free agent class. Over the past three seasons, he has combined for 43 wins, a 2.42 ERA, and 655 strikeouts. He could command a record contract for a starting pitcher. Although Stearns has historically avoided long-term deals for starters, he indicated that exceptions are possible.
"Every situation is unique," Stearns said. "It's been also well-publicized that even since I've been here, we've engaged in extremely long-term negotiations for pitchers and we will do so again. But situation matters, the specific circumstance matters, and we do have to look at every individual pitcher on a case-by-case basis."
The Mets' rotation remains incomplete despite having Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, and Zac Thornton. Stearns noted that Kodai Senga has expressed a preference to be a starting pitcher and will build up that way this offseason before proving himself in spring training. One way or another, the Mets will address their starting rotation. Beyond Skubal, top available names include Sonny Gray, Clay Holmes, and Michael King, and Stearns would not rule out a trade.
"Having a complete rotation is really important and that includes having pitchers who can successfully get you through a postseason, get you through a playoff series," Stearns said. "We've seen over and over again in the playoffs that can be done in a variety of different ways, so we're open to doing it in any way possible."
How will the Mets bolster their starting lineup for 2027?
Stearns made it clear that the Mets will add another first baseman alongside Jared Young before the 2027 season begins. In a career-high 103 games, Young slashed .266/.330/.429 with nine home runs, 17 doubles, 39 RBI, and 46 runs, proving he belongs in the majors. However, the left-handed-hitting Young performed much better against right-handers (.793 OPS) than left-handers (.606 OPS).
"We think Jared Young has the ability to really be a part of a solution there," Stearns said. "I do think we're going to look to supplement that, whether it's someone who takes regular at-bats, someone who splits time with (Young), we'll see. But I do expect us to supplement that position." Stearns added that the Mets would even consider adding another left-handed hitter at the position if it was "the right fit." Notable right-handed hitting first baseman free agents include Ty France, Paul Goldschmidt, and Alec Bohm.
Will Marcus Semien be the starting second baseman in the new year?
Despite Marcus Semien's underperformance in his first season in New York, second base is not a position the Mets are specifically targeting for an upgrade. However, Stearns would not close the door on any possibility.
"Marcus is going to come in with an opportunity to play a lot of second base," Stearns said. "He didn't have the type of year that he wanted to last year, didn't have the type of year we believe he's capable of. We also think we've got a lot of other options, both guys who played in the big leagues last year for us and guys who are knocking on the door of the big leagues that we feel good about that position."
Semien slashed .215/.280/.340 with 15 home runs, 49 RBI, and 55 runs in 139 games. His batting average and .620 OPS were career lows, and he committed six errors. The Mets believe Semien has bought into adjustments to regain his past form.
The Mets may have a wealth of other options at second base by the end of 2027. It starts with Brett Baty, who posted an .838 OPS. The club's top prospect, Jefferson Rojas, debuted at Triple-A late in the 2026 season, as did No. 10 prospect Emilien Pitre. The duo was acquired at the trade deadline. Mitch Voit, the club's 2025 first-round pick who has played both middle infield positions, surged to Double-A last season and claimed the organization's Minor League Player of the Year nod after posting an .802 OPS between his two stops.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: What will Mets do this winter? GM talks offseason plans and rumors.
Originally reported by yahoo.