The New York Mets were not expected to be a contender this season. Yet with less than a month to go in the regular season, New York is right in the thick of the National League Wild Card race.
They won their fifth consecutive game on Monday afternoon and came to within a half-game of the final Wild Card spot, which is currently held by the Atlanta Braves.
This offseason, New York could make some big splashes to improve their squad and become a true contender again. Bobo P. Goswami of Sportskeeda listed them as a team that could pursue right-hander Corbin Burnes.
"The Mets will need some starting pitchers for next year," Goswami wrote. "Signing a bona fide ace like Corbin Burnes could make a massive difference to their fortunes."
Should Burnes sign with the Mets, he'll reunite with his former President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns, who served in that role with the Milwaukee Brewers while Burnes was with the team.
But the Mets will be getting Kodai Senga back in 2025, and having a true ace to go next to him would give the Mets a great chance to become a force in the National League.
They'll still face question marks due to Pete Alonso's situation, but Burnes could be one of many big moves they make to contend next season.
They'll have more money to spend, and owner Steve Cohen has shown that he is not afraid to make big splashes in free agency, even if they haven't all worked out in his favor.
It will be interesting to see if the Mets are ultimately in the running for Burnes. Stearns' familiarity with the ace could play right into New York's favor.
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