Orlando, Florida – When Edwin Diaz takes the mound again at Citi Field, fans will no longer hear trumpets but instead see a video tribute. The same goes for Brandon Nimmo, whose usual walk-up songs will be replaced by a highlight reel celebrating his best moments in New York.
There’s growing speculation about Pete Alonso’s future with the Mets—will he also be among the longtime players leaving in this offseason? The Mets shouldn’t even ponder letting him go; they need to do everything possible to keep Alonso in Queens.
It’s disappointing to lose two fan favorites, but one wonders if the team might part ways with all three stars during this offseason. If that happens, the Mets must pull off a major and beneficial trade to recover.
David Stearns, Mets director of baseball operations, expressed optimism about the offseason during MLB’s winter meetings. He acknowledged the work ahead but remains confident that the team will look solid by Opening Day.
The pressure is on for the Mets to sign Alonso long-term after Diaz shockingly left for the . Diaz, the “Polar Bear,” is negotiating with several teams but is unlikely to return to the Mets, who appear to be giving him space before deciding their next move.
So far, the Mets seem indifferent about retaining their core players despite missing the playoffs despite a hefty $340 million payroll designed for a championship run. This cold approach to parting ways with beloved players and dismantling the team’s core could harm fan support and clubhouse morale in the long run.
Nimmo, once the team’s longest-tenured player, waived his no-trade clause and was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for veteran second baseman Marcus Semien. Diaz, once expected to stay, surprisingly signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the —just $3 million above the Mets’ offer.
Right-hander Devin Williams has been named the Mets’ new closer, a risky move considering his struggles in New York. Williams ended the 2025 season strong but is not on the same level as Diaz. His three-year, $51 million deal looks better suited for a setup role behind a high-leverage closer like Diaz or free agent Robert Suarez.
There’s speculation that signing Williams suggested Diaz wasn’t a priority for the Mets, perhaps contributing to Diaz feeling undervalued. Similarly, Alonso expressed frustration last offseason over the slow free agency process and the Mets’ hesitancy for a long-term deal.
Stearns acknowledges the complex balancing act of retaining key players and building the best team possible. So far this offseason, the Mets have created more gaps than filled, with significant holes in left and center field, an incomplete bullpen, no assured ace, and Mark Vientos potentially covering first base.
The Mets have yet to address the biggest issue from their disappointing season: an unreliable starting rotation. They used a record number of pitchers, ending with an average ERA and missing the playoffs. Meanwhile, the offense, fueled by Alonso’s strong performance, remained one of the best in the league.
Fans wonder if the loss of Nimmo, Diaz, and possibly Alonso can be softened by blockbuster trades involving players like Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, Framber Valdez, and Freddy Peralta. Even so, catching up to the powerful , who just added Diaz, will be a tough challenge.
Less than three months after building this flawed squad, Stearns asks fans to trust his plan, though many question it amid so many key departures this winter.
Disha Tosar covers Major League Baseball for FOX Sports and formerly covered the Mets for the New York Daily News. She grew up on Long Island and lives in Queens. Follow her on Twitter @DeeshaTosar.
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Fan Take: This offseason signifies a seismic shift for the Mets and their fanbase, highlighting the challenges teams face in balancing loyalty and competitiveness. How the Mets rebuild will be crucial not just for their own future, but as a case study in navigating player retention and team chemistry in modern baseball.
