Could Mets sign Orioles Cy Young winner? 'Wouldn't put it past them,' says insider

If there's one thing the New York Mets have done consistently this decade, it has been spending money in free agency.

From extending Francisco Lindor, to bringing in aging aces Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, to the numerous one-year deals they made before the 2024 season, owner Steve Cohen has always been willing to cut huge checks to bring the Mets closer to a championship.

In the 2024 offseason, there is a free-agent pitcher who will likely command one of the biggest contracts in the history of the position. He is a former Cy Young winner, and he may add a second one to his trophy case by the end of this season.

And according to one insider, the Mets may well be among the top bidders for that pitcher's services.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets could land Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes on the free-agent market for the 2025 season and beyond.

"I wouldn't put it past them," Heyman said. "They've certainly got the money, they've got the wherewithal, and they want to win."

Burnes, 29, is the definition of an ace in today's game. He has thrown 149 2/3 innings, tied for second in the American League, to the tune of a 2.71 ERA and 12-4 record.

After winning the 2021 National League Cy Young Award with the Milwaukee Brewers, Burnes is looking to join the rare club of pitchers to win it in both leagues. Blake Snell became just the eighth player to do so in Major League Baseball history in 2023 with the San Diego Padres.

If Burnes has the second Cy Young on his resume, his final contract figure could reach otherworldly levels. And with the Mets already well over the top luxury tax threshold this season, the cost of acquiring Burnes is more than double what it would be for most teams.

But if Burnes can help the Mets win a World Series, bringing him in would be worth every penny. And so far, Cohen has rarely been one to balk at a high price tag.