The New York Mets are in a period of transition. After a challenging 2023 season, they’ve shown signs of building something more sustainable for the future, with a balance of veteran presence and youthful energy. As we look toward the 2024 season and beyond, the Mets will likely be active in free agency again next offseason, looking to improve their roster and fill holes. But there’s one catch — they won’t be dealing with Scott Boras clients.
Scott Boras, one of baseball’s most powerful agents, represents some of the biggest names in free agency. While many teams avoid his players for the sake of financial flexibility and the high price tags that come with Boras’ clients, the Mets have shown they’re not afraid to go all in when it comes to improving the roster. However, in this article, we’ll focus on four dream free agents who could be a perfect fit for the Mets but don’t have Boras as their agent.
1. Aaron Nola (SP)
Current Team: Philadelphia Phillies
Age (as of 2025): 31
While many Mets fans may have a visceral reaction to the thought of acquiring a player from the Philadelphia Phillies, Aaron Nola could be a perfect addition to the Mets’ pitching staff. Nola has been one of the more consistent starting pitchers in the league, with a career ERA of 3.74 and an ability to eat innings at the top of the rotation. With the Mets potentially losing Justin Verlander to free agency after 2024 and needing to solidify their rotation, Nola could provide a stable presence alongside Max Scherzer for the immediate future.
Unlike many of the high-profile Boras clients, Nola has avoided the hyperinflated price tag often attached to his contemporaries. With Nola entering free agency at 31, the Mets could reasonably expect a mid-to-long-term deal at a more team-friendly price compared to some other options. His steady arm and playoff experience, especially his success in the postseason with the Phillies, would be an asset for a Mets team that wants to contend year after year.
2. Shohei Ohtani (DH/SP)
Current Team: Los Angeles Angels
Age (as of 2025): 30
Yes, Shohei Ohtani is a Boras client, but what if the Mets went after someone like him — a superstar who’s capable of being a dominant pitcher and hitter? The dream here is not just Ohtani himself but a more practical version of his type — a dual-threat player who can make an immediate impact both on the mound and in the batter’s box.
While the Mets won’t be able to sign Ohtani (unless they find a way to work with Boras), the goal is to identify a similar player who could give them dual value, which makes a player like Joc Pederson, the Giants’ DH/outfielder, appealing.
3. Matt Chapman (3B)
Current Team: Toronto Blue Jays
Age (as of 2025): 31
Matt Chapman has long been one of the most reliable defensive third basemen in the game, and while his bat has had its ups and downs, he remains a highly productive power hitter. In a Mets lineup that has been top-heavy in recent years, adding Chapman would give them a stabilizing force in the heart of the lineup while also drastically improving their infield defense.
The Mets have been in search of a long-term solution at third base for years, and while Brett Baty shows potential, Chapman would be an excellent insurance policy and potential mentor for the young star. With his solid numbers, Chapman’s price tag may be somewhat more reasonable than other top-tier free-agent third basemen, making him a good fit for a Mets team looking to be competitive without breaking the bank on
free-agent acquisitions.
4. Randy Arozarena (OF)
Current Team: Tampa Bay Rays
Age (as of 2025): 29
Randy Arozarena is an exciting and dynamic player that would inject new life into the Mets’ outfield. Known for his electrifying play, both offensively and defensively, Arozarena brings much-needed energy to any team he plays for. Over the last few years, Arozarena has turned into a staple for the Tampa Bay Rays, showing off his pop and speed while providing excellent defense.
With Brandon Nimmo anchoring the center field position, Arozarena could fit perfectly in one of the corner outfield spots, giving the Mets another impact bat to pair with their existing stars. What’s even more exciting is Arozarena’s postseason track record — he’s shown up when it matters most, and his fearlessness in big moments would resonate well with a Mets team that has postseason aspirations.
Why These Players Make Sense for the Mets
These four players all represent a mix of reliability, star power, and a combination of cost-effectiveness. The Mets are already dealing with long-term contracts for veterans like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, and they have future stars like Francisco Álvarez, Brett Baty, and others coming up.
Instead of getting caught in a bidding war for a Scott Boras client, these players could be the answer to the Mets’ immediate needs — whether that’s bolstering the pitching staff, improving the lineup, or adding an electric presence to the outfield. The Mets should look for deals that offer solid value while maintaining the financial flexibility to address other needs in the future.
As the 2024 season winds down and the Mets look toward the following offseason, don’t be surprised if these players are at the top of their wish list. With the right mix of veteran presence and young talent, the Mets could be poised for an exciting next chapter in their journey toward contention.
