There has been no shortage of New York Mets news in the past week. First, David Stearns made a huge splash by signing Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal. Next, the Mets pulled off a trade for Luis Robert Jr. and let go of Luisangel Acuna. And on Wednesday, the Mets got semi-bad news with Cody Bellinger making his decision to sign with the New York Yankees.
However, there is still an abundance of options out on the external market, and the Mets still need a starting pitcher or two. With a current rotation that consists of the frontline starters being David Peterson and Clay Holmes, that could be the next big splash the Mets make with just under a month to go until Spring Training.
Here is a list of three free agents still looking for a 2026 team that the New York Mets should consider signing after missing out on Cody Bellinger:
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GettyZac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks
Zac Gallen
This needs to be the Mets’ next free agent target. Gallen checks all the boxes in what New York needs in a starter. After coming off a down 2025, this is the perfect opportunity for the Mets to swoop in, sign him to a team-friendly deal, and then help him get back to his 2023 form.
Zac Gallen’s 2025 stats: 192 IP, 4.83 ERA, 175 K’s, 33 starts, 4.50 FIP
According to Spotrac, Gallen’s market value projects him to earn an $18.7 million AAV salary in his next contract.
While Gallen regressed in terms of on-field production in 2025, he’s made 28+ starts in each of the past four seasons, and has 183+ innings recorded in three of those four years. Those innning marks are what make Zac Gallen such an attractive target.
Harrison Bader
The Mets have already been linked to Harrison Bader this offseason, who now becomes the best outfield free agent available after Cody Bellinger decided to join the Yankees. Bader is a cheaper option than Zac Gallen, as Spotrac projects Bader to earn a two-year, $20 million salary this offseason.
Harrison Bader’s 2025 stats (with Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies):
146 G, 17 home runs, .277 batting average, 117 OPS+, 24 doubles
2025 was a resurgent year for Bader, as Mets fans should know him well from his time in a Mets uniform in 2024. Bader hit .236 with 12 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 19 doubles over 143 games with the Mets in 2024.
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Chris Bassitt
Chris Bassitt and Zac Gallen are two of the top three available arms left in free agency (Framber Valdez), and if the Mets can land either Bassitt or Gallen, it would be considered a huge win.
Bassitt’s market value is two-years, $31 million, but the reason for the low amount of years is likely due to Chris Bassitt’s age (36).
However, age doesn’t seem to be slowing Bassitt down all that much. His 2025 stats were:
31 GS, 170.1 innings, 166 K’s, 3.96 ERA, 4.01 FIP, 52 BBs
He’s another player like Gallen who is able to just eat up innings if he’s in the starting rotation. Dating back to 2021, Bassitt has averaged 30 starts and 180+ innings/season. He does not go on the Injured List, takes the ball every fifth day, and would provide the Mets rotation with a rare combination of durability, depth, and production.
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Three Free Agents the Mets Should Sign After Cody Bellinger Decision & Luis Robert Jr. Trade