New York

Mets

Boston attempted to slide Criswell through waivers after acquiring Johan Oviedo from the Pirates earlier this week, but their attempt proved to be unsuccessful. The versatile 29-year-old has made 33 appearances (19 starts) for the Red Sox over the past two seasons, posting a 4.00 ERA across 117 innings. Expect him to function in a similar swingman role for the Mets.

Feinsand specifically notes those three clubs as the biggest threats to sign the 30-year-old left-hander away from the Phillies. He also mentions the Tigers and Mets as teams that have shown interest. With multiple large market teams in the bidding, it sounds like Suárez should do pretty well for himself here on the open market.

Heyman adds that Bellinger remains New York’s top offseason priority, though the two sides aren’t close to a deal at this stage. He also lists the Mets, Phillies, Dodgers and Angels as other potential landing spots. The 30-year-old delivered an excellent first season in the Bronx, slashing .272/.334/.480 with 29 homers — his highest total since 2019 — to go along with 98 RBI and 13 steals across 152 games. His return would significantly improve the Yankees’ outfield defense and give them a proven left-handed, middle-of-the-order anchor to pair with Aaron Judge.

Williams will pitch at the back-end of the bullpen for the Mets in 2026, but whether he will be their closer or set-up man depends whether New York re-signs Edwin Díaz. At this point that seems unlikely, and assuming Williams is the closer, the 31-year-old should be one of the better relief options in fantasy; even after his less-than-spectacular season with the Yankees in 2025.

Morosi indicated that all of the Yankees, Mets, Phillies, and Dodgers are “actively courting” Bellinger. The 30-year-old is coming off a strong 2025 season that saw him his .272 with 29 home runs, 98 RBI, 89 runs, and an .813 OPS. He also plays above-average defense at both center field and first base, which makes him even more attractive as a target.

The White Sox held on to him after his excellent 2023, hoping to cash in at the deadline in 2024, but were never able to due to injuries. They now picked up Robert’s $20 million team option and have another $20 million option for 2027. He still has elite raw ability, but has been inconsistent and injured over the last few years, which “would limit the return on any potential deal.” Still, Passan believes now is the time for a deal and lists the Mets, Phillies, and Reds as possible landing spots.

Sammon also reported that Williams chose the Mets without knowing if he would be used as an ace setup option ahead of Edwin Díaz or as a closer to replace him. “According to a person close to Williams, the decorated right-hander is open to pitching in whatever role the team needs him for and wants to win a World Series in New York.” The Mets have now protected themselves in case Díaz does sign elsewhere, and perhaps give themselves more leverage in contract negotiations, but it seems that their goal is to form an elite one-two punch with two former All-Star closers.

Passan adds that deal doesn’t include any opt-outs. Williams takes over as New York’s primary closer in the event that Edwin Díaz departs via free agency. However, MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo reports the Mets remain interested in re-signing Díaz and that Williams is open to pitching in a setup role. The dynamic 31-year-old evolved into one of the premier stoppers in baseball during his Brewers tenure before being traded to the Yankees last offseason and stumbling to a career-worst 4.79 ERA across 62 innings. New York’s willingness to make a multi-year commitment suggests real confidence in their ability to get him back on track. He’s the latest domino to fall as the closer market continues to accelerate in advance of next week’s Winter Meetings. It’s a phenomenal landing spot from a fantasy perspective — assuming the Mets don’t re-sign Díaz — as Williams walks straight into the ninth inning on a contending roster with a clear opportunity to reestablish himself as an upper-tier closer.

One of the runs scored on a Ronald Acuña Jr. single. It’s Alzolay’s first game action since May 2024, so he was bound to be a little rusty. The former Cubs closer has a chance to be a big part of the Mets bullpen next season, probably in a setup role.

Sammon adds that the Mets might still trade him prior to next season since his contract only includes a limited 10-team no-trade clause. The soon-to-be 33-year-old righty — owed $28 million over the next two years with a club option for 2028 — profiles as an intriguing fallback option for clubs unwilling to meet the astronomical asking prices at the top of the free-agent starter market. Durability has been an issue since his arrival in the majors, with injuries holding him to just 52 starts across the last three seasons, but he’s been highly effective when available, posting a strong 3.00 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 320/133 K/BB ratio over 285 innings during that span. New York still lacks a true front-of-the-rotation stabilizer, but they’re overflowing with depth heading into 2026, with top prospects Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat supplementing veterans Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea and David Peterson. And if the Mets manage to land a certifiable ace via free agency or trade, Senga suddenly becomes far more likely to continue his career elsewhere.