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Once the World Series trophy is handed out, the Mets will waste little time launching into what promises to be a hectic winter. Before the expected lockout on December 1, the club has a limited but important to-do list, including minor coaching staff adjustments following the dismissal of hitting coach Jeff Albert and the search for a farm director to succeed Andy Green, who was installed as manager late in the regular season. Veterans on expiring contracts were already dealt at the summer deadline, so the front office's focus now shifts to these key dates and storylines.
Free Agency Opens with Bichette Decision
Immediately after the World Series, a five-day quiet period begins during which pending free agents can negotiate only with their current teams. For the Mets, the lone potential free agent is Bo Bichette, who holds player options for 2027 and 2028 and must decide within five days of the Series' conclusion. Bichette, 28, recently hinted he leans toward staying in Queens, but no final call has been made. The infielder experienced an atypical season: he played third base for the first time before shifting back to shortstop for a few months while Francisco Lindor was injured, and he batted just .260 while matching his 2025 home run total of 18. Bichette often expressed frustration over his first-half struggles, acknowledging that better production could have improved the team's standing. Regarded as a strong teammate with a solid work ethic, he is wanted back by the Mets. With a lockout looming, accepting the option for next season might be more prudent than testing free agency for the second consecutive year. Once the quiet period ends, free agents can negotiate with all teams, and the top name available is Los Angeles Dodgers ace and two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. The Mets, in need of starting pitching, should aggressively pursue the left-hander.
GM Meetings in Las Vegas
From November 10-12, the General Manager Meetings will take place in Las Vegas—a shift from the traditionally quiet resort settings. These meetings now precede the MLB Awards Show, a red-carpet event, and with the Winter Meetings canceled if a lockout occurs, teams are expected to meet with players in Las Vegas rather than waiting until December. Historically, executives used the GM Meetings to lay groundwork for roster building, but this year the atmosphere will be far more urgent.
Qualifying Offers and Non-Tender Deadline
November 17 marks the deadline for eligible players to accept or reject qualifying offers by 4 p.m. ET. Then, on November 20, comes the non-tender deadline—the last day for teams to offer contracts to all arbitration-eligible and pre-arbitration players on the 40-man roster. The Mets face several tough calls here, with a long list of arbitration-eligible players: Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, Francisco Alvarez, Ronny Mauricio, Tylor Megill, Reed Garrett, Robert Stock, and Austin Warren. Vientos, Baty, Alvarez, and Mauricio were once top prospects but no longer hold that status. Alvarez, a power-hitting catcher, was the primary backstop until this season, when his defensive struggles forced the team to rely on Luis Torrens; injuries have also limited him in each of the past three seasons, though his power and clubhouse presence make him hard to part with. Vientos lacks a full-time position and has struggled as a platoon hitter over the last two years, despite retaining his pop. Baty was converted to a super-utility role, seeing time at first base and in the outfield in addition to second and third, and while his outfield defense was lacking, the Mets were pleased with his professionalism and approach. Mauricio's development was clearly stunted by a knee injury; he has struggled against breaking balls in the majors and is out of minor league options, but his switch-hitting power and infield versatility could be valuable given that veterans Lindor and Marcus Semien both spent time on the IL last season and are not getting younger.
Looming Lockout
On December 1, the collective bargaining agreement expires, and for the second time in five years, the 30 club owners are expected to lock out the players. All activity involving players on 40-man rosters will halt, and players and teams cannot communicate until a new CBA is agreed upon and ratified. This adds urgency to every decision the Mets make before that date.
Originally reported by yahoo.