JUST IN: New York Mets To Acquire Substantially $255 Million Baltimore Orioles’ Ace As Emergency Juan Soto Backup Plan To Salvage Their Offseason…see more

The New York Mets have been aggressively pursuing roster upgrades this offseason, with one of their primary goals being the acquisition of a superstar like Juan Soto. Soto, the young outfielder for the San Diego Padres, has been one of the most sought-after players due to his elite bat and potential long-term impact. However, if the Mets’ efforts to secure Soto fall short, they would likely have to pivot and explore alternative options to ensure their offseason remains productive.

Baltimore Orioles’ Ace as a Backup Plan

In this case, the Mets might turn to a different avenue for strengthening their team: acquiring a star pitcher. The mention of a “$255 million Baltimore Orioles’ ace” suggests that the Mets are eyeing a high-profile, well-compensated pitcher—likely a Cy Young-caliber talent with a hefty contract.

As of now, the Baltimore Orioles have some excellent pitching talent, but a potential candidate for this description could be a player like Gerrit Cole (if his status with the Yankees was being speculated about), or another top-tier ace who might command a massive salary. A $255 million contract would align with the type of superstar pitcher the Mets might target, though this depends on the specific dynamics of player contracts and potential trade availability.

Why the Mets Need a Backup Plan

The Mets are coming off an offseason that didn’t meet their lofty expectations. After a significant spending spree in 2022, they fell short in 2023, with injuries and underperformance derailing their chances at a deep postseason run. Securing a player like Soto would have provided a big jolt to their lineup, which is heavily reliant on stars like Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor.

However, in case that deal doesn’t materialize, targeting an ace pitcher would give the Mets a different route to improving their team. A dominant ace can completely change the trajectory of a team’s season, providing stability and leadership in the rotation. This would also bolster the Mets’ chances of competing in a highly competitive National League East.

Conclusion

While it remains to be seen whether this rumored acquisition will come to fruition, the Mets are certainly considering all their options to salvage their offseason. A top-tier ace could provide significant value in the absence of a major bat like Soto.