A $17 Million Plan to Rebuild the Mets’ Bullpen

A proposed $17 million offseason blueprint for the New York Mets would add two free-agent relievers and acquire a third in a trade. The plan comes as the team is expected to pursue starting pitcher Tarik Skubal, a potential major contract that could limit spending elsewhere.

The suggested free-agent signing is Jonathan Loaisiga, who would fill a setup role behind Devin Williams. After returning from Tommy John surgery, Loaisiga posted a 2.42 ERA over 67 innings for Arizona last season, with 48 strikeouts. His sinker averaged 97.9 mph, and he also changed his pitch mix. The proposal puts his value at two years and $16 million.

For a left-handed option, the plan recommends Brock Burke on a two-year, $12 million deal. Burke recorded a 2.30 ERA in 74⅓ innings last season. He limited left-handed hitters to a .195 average and also held right-handed batters to a .208 average. The Mets’ other left-handed relief choices include Nate Lavender and Cionel Perez.

The third proposed addition is Miami’s Anthony Bender, a right-hander with a sidearm delivery. He had a 2.62 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 34⅓ innings last season, and right-handed batters hit .149 against him. Bender is expected to receive $3.4 million through arbitration for 2027, his final season under team control. The suggested trade would cost less in prospects than a deal for some other relievers, though Miami could keep him.

With the three additions, the proposed bullpen also includes Williams, Reed Garrett, Lavender, Daniel Duarte and Kodai Senga. The plan presents the moves as a way to strengthen a major area of need for 2027.