Mets projected to land $200 million ace amid opt-out speculation

The New York Mets appear to be ahead of schedule.

When the Mets traded away aging aces Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer at the 2023 trade deadline, they seemed to be punting on the 2024 season, with the goal of reaching contender status again by 2025, when the two high-priced pitchers would be off their payroll.

However, 2024 has gone far better than most expected. The Mets are on a seven-game winning streak entering play Friday, and are tied with the Atlanta Braves for the final playoff spot in the National League.

Though the Mets could still do some damage in this year's playoffs, it's hard not to start getting excited about what next year's team could look like if owner Steve Cohen goes nuclear on the free-agent market.

And with the starting rotation looking dicey for next season, bringing in a true ace would be an excellent place to start.

On Friday, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicted that the Mets' 2025 Opening Day starter would be two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, who is expected to opt out of the second year of his contract with the San Francisco Giants.

Though his 2024 season got off to a slow start, Snell re-established his dominance when the calendar turned to summer. He won the NL's Pitcher of the Month award in August, tossed his first career no-hitter, and owns a 1.42 ERA since returning from injury on Jul. 9.

After failing to land the nine-figure contract he sought last winter, Snell figures to command up to $200 million in free agency this time around. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic said on Thursday that he expects Snell to do "much better" on the market this time around.

Though the Mets also have to think about extending first baseman Pete Alonso--not to mention their expected pursuit of superstar Juan Soto, Snell would be the starting pitching signing that could elevate New York to World Series contender status.

And if it's all about the money, Cohen and the Mets have to be considered prohibitive favorites here.

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