What's next for the Mets and Guardians?

So close, yet so far. Two teams on the verge of a championship will have to wait until next year for their shot. The question is now how will these teams approach that goal, and what problems do they face as they go into the offseason.

Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland won a surprisingly competitive American League (AL) Central Division, and can’t rest on their laurels if they want to win it again. Teams like the Royals and Tigers look to improve, while the Twins will try to bounce back from a disappointing year.

The two main problems Cleveland faced in their American League Championship Series loss were runs scored and starting pitching depth. Cleveland’s stellar bullpen was taxed heavily in the series as no starter completed even the sixth inning. This could be a factor as to why their bullpen faltered late in games, giving up leads and handing the pennant to the Yankees.

Cleveland is in need of a big bat in their lineup, maybe even two. While it is an easy solution, it all depends on how much Cleveland ownership is willing to spend. Cleveland has been in the bottom third in terms of player payroll over the last four years, without any indication they will be big spenders.

Free Agent Targets:

1B Christian Walker, RF Anthony Santander, SP Nick Pivetta, SP Shane Bieber

Walker has hit 25+ home runs in the last three seasons, while also winning the National League Gold Glove at first base in 2022 and 2023. He would provide some power to Cleveland’s offense and be a prominent right-handed bat in the middle of their lineup

Santander has been one of the best switch-hitters in baseball since his debut. He has great power in his bat eclipsing 57 extra base hits in each of the last three seasons. His switch-hitting versatility would pair him perfectly with the switch hitting Jose Ramirez, causing headaches for opposing pitching staffs.

Pivetta is entering free agency after four average years in Boston. Despite this, he still has a lot of potential, and Cleveland might be able to maximize his talents. Cleveland will not be competing for true aces in the offseason, so they will have to pick up guys like Pivetta and take a chance on them.

Bieber would be the number one player for Cleveland to sign as he has been with the team since the 2018 season, winning the American League Cy Young Award in 2020. However, he is coming off of Tommy John surgery and likely won’t pitch until the summer of 2025. This could make him a cheap piece to add, but you can never accurately predict how a player will recover from major surgery.

These players are realistic targets for Cleveland as they are not going to go out and spend $300 million on free agents. Signing just one bat and one starting pitcher would cost around $150 million. Cleveland ownership might be intimidated by this number, but it is necessary if they want to stay competitive.

New York Mets

The Mets’ miracle run came to an end in the National League Championship Series at the hands of the juggernaut Dodgers. Their pitching could not hold down one of the most potent offenses in baseball and gave up 37 runs over four losses.

The Mets have money to spend this offseason and will be fishing for some of the best players the free agent market has to offer.

Free Agent Targets:

1B Pete Alonso, RF Juan Soto, SP Corbin Burnes, SP Blake Snell, RP Tanner Scott

Alonso will be the Mets’ primary target in the offseason. He has been their first baseman since the 2019 season, and is third all time in home runs for the franchise behind Darryl Strawberry and David Wright. Alonso has proven himself as a premiere power bat hitting 34+ home runs in each of the last four seasons. He is also a fan and team favorite, losing him could harm the clubhouse and enrage the fanbase.

Soto is the big ticket this offseason. Simply put, Soto has been one of the best players in baseball since his debut in 2018, using both his eye and power to put up jaw dropping offensive numbers. If the Mets get the chance to add one of the best hitters in the game to their lineup, it is unlikely they will be outbid for his services.

Burnes has been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball since 2020. He won the National League Cy Young Award in 2021, and has had over 200 strikeouts in three of the last four seasons. Unlike many pitchers in today’s game, Burnes goes deep into games, pitching about 200 innings the last three years.

Snell is coming off an injury shortened season in which he had a rough start, but finished as maybe the best pitcher in all of baseball. A two-time Cy Young Award winner, 2018 and 2023, Snell’s game is focused on striking out as much of the opposition as possible. His only drawback is his lack of innings, averaging only 135 the past four seasons.

Scott has proven himself as one of if not the best lefty relief arm in baseball. Over his last two seasons he has an earned run average of just 2.00. The Mets would benefit greatly from adding Scott to the back of their rotation.

The Mets have money to spend. Billionaire owner Steve Cohen has made it clear he wants this team to win, no matter the cost. These players are all some of the best at their position, and will cause Cohen to break the bank.

We could see the Mets spend nearly a billion dollars in the offseason, all in hopes of breaking through and winning the World Series.

Carter Brooks is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email cjb7448@psu.edu.