The New York Mets are facing a significant free agent class this year. Unlike last season, when many players with expiring contracts were traded away, this year’s team acquired rental players at the trade deadline. New additions like Ryne Stanek and Jesse Winker are still trying to win over fans, while others who have been with the team for an entire season are easier to evaluate.

Among the Mets’ impending free agents, some are worth re-signing, others should only return at a fair price, and a few should be let go.

Players Worth Re-signing

Jose Iglesias stands out as the most sensible choice for re-signing. He has brought enthusiasm to the team and has had a lively season, although his performance may not guarantee him a starting position elsewhere. A reasonable one-year contract around $4 million would make Iglesias a valuable asset again next season, providing a strong bench presence and contributing to the lineup.

Additionally, **Harrison Bader** has excelled as the starting center fielder, though he may seek a multi-year contract worth over $30 million due to his impressive play.

The Mets are likely to re-sign some players from this year’s roster. Iglesias, given his affordable price, willingness to accept a specific role, and the positive culture he fosters, is a player they cannot overlook.

If Iglesias finds a better offer elsewhere, it would be understandable, as his time with the team has been enjoyable.

Three Mets players, aside from Jose Iglesias, who have been significant contributors this season include.

The New York Mets have an exciting player on their roster, often referred to as a “firecracker” or “Candelita,” and that player is Jose Iglesias. Few would have predicted that Iglesias would become the most beloved player on the team this year. His arrival has noticeably changed the atmosphere surrounding the Mets.

Iglesias isn’t the only standout player in orange and blue this season. From Reed Garrett’s early performances out of the bullpen to the midseason acquisition of Luis Torrens, this year’s Mets have showcased several impressive talents. Notable offseason signings, including Sean Manaea, Harrison Bader’s clutch hitting, and Tyrone Taylor’s versatility, have all contributed to a more well-rounded team.

The Mets are brimming with talent, and three players have consistently delivered strong performances throughout the season:

Jose Butto

Jose Butto has been a remarkable asset for the Mets. He finds himself in a unique position as a talented reliever who could also excel as a starter. His contributions have provided the team with numerous options for the present and future. Butto is a strong candidate for next year’s rotation, with a solid spot in the bullpen assured.

This season, Butto has a record of 5-3 and an impressive 2.30 ERA. As a reliever, he remains unbeaten at 4-0 with a minuscule 0.87 ERA over 20.2 innings, despite having only 10 relief appearances this year. His impact has been transformative for the team.

Who would have imagined Butto would become such a crucial player for the Mets this season? He has embraced his transition to a relief role, which was a decision based on team dynamics.

Players like Butto are the kind that can propel a team deep into the postseason, and his energy and talent are invaluable.

The New York Mets‘ depth chart shows a mix of players moving up and down in their rankings.

The New York Mets’ roster is undergoing changes, much like a tossed salad gets mixed up. Nearly three weeks after the last significant attempt to enhance the team, new players are starting to shift the depth chart.

The depth chart reflects a “what have you done for me lately?” mentality, often disregarding specific positions. Factors such as falling down the lineup and being used in low-leverage situations influence the status of these four Mets players.

### Players Moving Up

**David Peterson**
It’s time to acknowledge David Peterson’s contributions. He boasts a 2-0 record with a 1.56 ERA in his last three starts. While his outings may not always be flawless, he consistently delivers results. With a 7-1 record and a 3.04 ERA over 13 starts this season, the main request for him is to increase his innings pitched and reduce walks.

Although Peterson hasn’t maintained exceptional performance over extended periods this season—never achieving a month with more strikeouts than innings pitched—he remains a puzzling pitcher. His opponents have a .244/.341/.357 slash line against him, indicating he allows base runners.

Thanks to the Mets’ defense and some timely pitching from Peterson, he has managed to escape tricky situations. An average inning for him often includes a single and a walk, followed by a groundball double play to get out of trouble. Despite these unconventional methods, he has been effective.

Peterson’s rise in the depth chart is partly due to others struggling, but he has done what every pitcher aims for: when he takes the mound, the Mets have a chance to win, as evidenced by their 10-3 record in his starts this season.

Mets Monday Morning GM: Reed Garrett is pitching his way off the roster.

The New York Mets roster is filled with players who are exceeding expectations this season. Jose Iglesias stands out, not only for his impressive batting average above .300 but also for his musical career, making him a fan favorite with his relentless hustle on routine ground balls.

In contrast, Reed Garrett’s early promise seems to be fading. After suffering a second loss since returning from the injured list on Sunday, his earlier strong performance has diminished.

Garrett did not make the team out of spring training, which was understandable given his lack of a solid track record to secure a spot on the 40-man roster. However, when he joined the team, he had an outstanding first month, posting a 0.57 ERA heading into May before his performance declined. He now appears to be reverting to the underwhelming pitcher many expected him to be.

Once a key member of the bullpen and even a contender for the closer role while Edwin Diaz was sidelined, Garrett’s struggles began with a rough May, where he recorded a 6.08 ERA, followed by a mediocre June with a 3.60 ERA. Though his June performance was sufficient to keep him on the team, one poor outing can drastically affect a reliever’s overall statistics.

Since returning from the injured list, Garrett’s best outing came during a 4-0 loss to the Seattle Mariners, where he struck out the side. However, he has also blown a save against the Oakland Athletics and issued walks to the Miami Marlins, leading to his fifth loss of the season and contributing to a sense of fatigue regarding his role on the team.

While there is no immediate rush to designate Garrett for assignment due to available minor league options, his recent performances make him a more likely candidate for demotion compared to earlier in the season when he was more trusted.

Garrett’s future with the Mets is uncertain, especially since he won’t have options next season. He will need to secure a spot in spring training or risk becoming a casualty of roster cuts. The Mets could also consider non-tendering or trading him before that time.

Currently, the main issue is the lack of confidence in Garrett’s ability to perform effectively. He may no longer be relied upon for more than an inning at a time, as getting three clean outs has proven to be a challenge.

It’s possible he was brought back from the injured list too soon. Regardless, it will be interesting to see how long he remains with the Mets and whether consecutive poor performances will lead him to join Adam Ottavino in the doghouse or face his first demotion since preseason.

The New York Mets are experiencing a boost in their playoff hopes as they secured a victory while all the teams they are competing against for the Wild Card spot suffered losses.

In a recent game, the Mets achieved a convincing 9-1 win over the Oakland Athletics, which did not change their position in the NL Wild Card standings but helped ease some concerns among fans. This win was highlighted by a strong performance from starting pitcher David Peterson, marking the 33rd victory for a Mets pitcher this season.

As the Mets continue to navigate the playoff race, the recent outcomes have provided them with a glimmer of hope, especially with their competitors faltering at the same time.

The New York Mets learned a valuable lesson this week: never underestimate any opponent. After the Oakland Athletics took two out of three games from them at home, the Mets bounced back with a solid win against the Miami Marlins, a team already looking ahead to their 2027 roster.

Keeping an eye on the NL Wild Card standings has become a daily routine. Each Mets victory is a step forward, and losses by their competitors make those wins even more significant.

On Friday, the three teams ahead of the Mets faced off against teams with losing records and all ended up losing.

This trend of struggling teams impacting other NL Wild Card contenders has been evident, just as it has been for the Mets. With the Braves losing to the Los Angeles Angels, the Mets find themselves just one game out of a Wild Card spot.

😳

(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/pnaPT2Yq92

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 17, 2024

Running through first base on a potential double would have been less embarrassing.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies defeated the San Diego Padres 7-3, and the Tampa Bay Rays edged out the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-4. This resulted in a trio of losses for the Mets’ competitors, all by a single run, which raises questions about missed opportunities.

Further down the NL Wild Card standings, the San Francisco Giants gained ground with a win over the Athletics, while the suddenly competitive Cincinnati Reds lost, and the struggling St. Louis Cardinals dropped their fifth consecutive game. None of these teams should be dismissed just yet; a single strong week could bring them back into contention for the final playoff spot, as they are all within four games of the Braves.

For the Mets, the focus remains on their own performance. Each game is becoming increasingly crucial. Their upcoming series against the Marlins is significant for two reasons: they are facing a team they can beat, and the second tiebreaker for a Wild Card spot, after head-to-head matchups, is the record within the division. The Mets currently sit at 21-16 against NL East teams. They cannot afford to miss the playoffs due to failing to take care of business against weaker divisional opponents.