NY Mets News: Max Fried to the Mets, MLB Draft Lottery Results, and More
The New York Mets are entering an important chapter in their ongoing quest to return to championship contention. After a disappointing 2023 season, in which they failed to make the playoffs despite an ambitious payroll and roster construction, the Mets are focusing on several key areas to improve their chances in 2024 and beyond. Two developments in particular have been dominating the headlines in Mets Nation: the potential acquisition of Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried and the results of the MLB Draft Lottery, which could help bolster the Mets’ future talent pipeline. Add to that a few other key offseason moves and organizational updates, and there is plenty to talk about as the Mets reshape their roster and eye a return to the postseason.
Max Fried to the Mets: A Potential Game-Changer?
The New York Mets have been in the market for starting pitching, and one of the most intriguing rumors to surface this offseason involves the possibility of the Mets acquiring left-handed ace Max Fried from the Atlanta Braves. Fried, a key figure in the Braves’ World Series championship run in 2021, has been one of the top pitchers in the National League for several years, boasting an impressive career ERA of 3.10 and a WHIP of 1.13. As the Braves explore their pitching depth, Fried has become a potential trade candidate, with the Mets emerging as one of the top suitors.
Max Fried’s Career and Dominance in Atlanta
Max Fried has been a steady force at the top of the Braves’ rotation since making his debut in 2017. His breakout season came in 2019, when he posted a 2.63 ERA and was one of the most effective pitchers in the National League. He followed that up with a 2021 season that included a 3.04 ERA and an integral role in helping the Braves win the World Series, even earning a spot in the NLCS and World Series MVP conversation. Fried’s ability to command four pitches, including a nasty curveball and a high-velocity fastball, has made him one of the best left-handed pitchers in the game.
In 2023, Fried was again a standout for Atlanta, posting a 3.13 ERA with 170 strikeouts in 190.2 innings, continuing his reputation as a consistent and dominant presence on the mound. Despite this, Fried’s future with the Braves is uncertain. He is set to hit free agency after the 2024 season and is entering his final year of arbitration. This has prompted speculation about a possible trade, as the Braves may be hesitant to offer a long-term deal given their roster’s financial constraints and the emergence of younger arms in their system.
Why the Mets Are Interested in Fried
For the Mets, acquiring Fried would be a significant move to bolster their rotation, which is one of the team’s most pressing areas of need. While the Mets have strong talent in their rotation, including future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer and former Cy Young winner Justin Verlander, both pitchers are on the wrong side of 35, and health concerns have raised questions about their ability to perform over the course of an entire season. A pitcher like Fried, who is only 30 years old and has a proven track record of durability and excellence, would offer the Mets a much-needed long-term anchor for their rotation.
Adding Fried would allow the Mets to build their rotation around a reliable left-handed ace, complementing the established talents of Scherzer and Verlander. It would also give the Mets a valuable trade chip in their quest for postseason success in the upcoming years. While Scherzer and Verlander are excellent pitchers, they can’t be expected to carry the rotation alone for much longer. Fried would provide a fresh face at the top of the Mets’ pitching staff and allow the team to remain competitive in the high-powered National League East.
Potential Trade Package
To land a pitcher of Fried’s caliber, the Mets would likely need to offer a significant return to Atlanta. Given that Fried is entering the final year of his deal, the Braves may be looking for a mix of MLB-ready talent and high-upside prospects to make the trade worthwhile. The Mets have several young players who could appeal to Atlanta, including top prospect Francisco Álvarez, a catcher with immense power potential. Other players who could be part of a trade package include outfielder Alex Ramirez, shortstop Ronny Mauricio, and pitchers like David Peterson or Tylor Megill.
While the Mets have a deep farm system, they also have financial flexibility and a relatively strong major-league roster, which could allow them to part with one or two high-impact players without significantly hurting their chances in 2024. A trade for Fried could involve a mix of prospects and controllable talent, which would allow the Braves to both replenish their roster and give themselves a chance to compete in the near future.
The timing of the trade would also be crucial. The Mets have already made significant moves to add key players, and their front office will need to carefully balance the need to improve now with the importance of building for long-term success. But acquiring Fried would clearly make the Mets a much stronger team, particularly with their goal of returning to the postseason in 2024.
MLB Draft Lottery Results: What the Mets Can Expect
The MLB Draft Lottery, introduced in 2023 as part of the league’s effort to reduce tanking and encourage more competitive balance, is an event that fans and front offices alike look forward to each offseason. The lottery determines the draft order for the first round, with the teams that did not make the playoffs having a chance to secure a high draft pick.
For the New York Mets, who finished 2023 with a middling record and missed the postseason, the results of the 2024 Draft Lottery were of significant interest. While the Mets were not in contention for the top pick, securing a strong position in the lottery could go a long way toward adding high-level talent to their already solid farm system.
How the MLB Draft Lottery Works
The MLB Draft Lottery is designed to give the non-playoff teams a fair shot at landing top prospects, while also discouraging teams from “tanking” to secure the highest pick possible. The teams with the worst records are given the highest chances, but all teams that miss the postseason have a chance to secure a top pick.
In the 2024 lottery, the Mets were in the middle tier of teams that missed the playoffs. This meant that, while their chances of landing the number one overall pick were slim, they still had a decent shot at securing a selection in the top 10. The Draft Lottery results have significant implications for the future of the Mets, who are looking to strengthen their farm system after spending big in free agency the past few seasons.
The Mets’ Draft Position and Potential Targets
After the lottery, the Mets secured the eighth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. This is an excellent position, as it puts them in striking distance to select one of the top-tier players available in a very strong draft class. Several high-end prospects are expected to go early, including players like high school shortstop Termarr Johnson, college outfielder Dylan Crews, and college pitchers such as Paul Skenes and Chase Dollander.
While the Mets may not have a chance at landing the number one overall pick, they are still in a position to select a player who could make an immediate impact in the future. Given their current roster makeup and their needs in both pitching and position player depth, the Mets could go in multiple directions. A top college pitcher or a high-ceiling shortstop or outfielder could provide the Mets with a valuable prospect to build around in the years to come.
The Mets’ front office, led by general manager Billy Eppler, has shown a strong ability to identify talent, and the 2024 draft will be no exception. With the eighth overall pick, the Mets will likely focus on selecting a player who has a combination of high upside and the potential to make it to the majors in a relatively short time.
The Mets have built a solid farm system in recent years, adding key players like Francisco Álvarez, Brett Baty, and Ronny Mauricio. Another top draft pick would further reinforce the team’s commitment to building a sustainable core for the future while complementing their current championship window with their veteran roster.
The Importance of Draft Success
The success of the Mets’ draft strategy will be crucial for the team’s future. While they have invested heavily in free agency in recent years, the ability to draft and develop homegrown talent will be key to ensuring long-term competitiveness. The team’s ability to hit on high-profile draft picks, especially in the first round, will play a significant role in balancing their payroll and maintaining a sustainable contender over the next several years.
Other News and Notes from the Mets
As the Mets focus on improving their roster through both trades and the draft, there are several other important storylines that will impact the team heading into the 2024 season.
1. The Status of the Veterans: Scherzer, Verlander, and Díaz
Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, two of the most accomplished pitchers in MLB history, are both under contract with the Mets for the 2024 season. However, their health and performance are crucial questions for the Mets. Scherzer, 40, and Verlander, 41, will need to stay healthy and effective for the Mets to make a serious playoff push. The Mets’ pitching staff, led by these two future Hall of Famers, needs to deliver consistency, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the other spots in the rotation.
Additionally, the status of closer Edwin Díaz, who was injured in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, remains a question mark. His recovery from knee surgery and return to his dominant form will be crucial for the bullpen’s stability in 2024.
