The New York Mets are heading into the offseason with plenty of work to do, particularly when it comes to rebuilding and strengthening their bullpen. After a disappointing 2026 campaign that eventually led the organization to sell at the trade deadline, the Mets now face the challenge of putting together a much stronger roster for next season.
One of the areas that could receive significant attention is the pitching staff. The bullpen, in particular, appears to be an obvious area for improvement after New York moved several pieces during the season. With free agency approaching, the Mets could look toward one of the more reliable relievers in Major League Baseball as a potential solution.
According to CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa, San Diego Padres left-handed reliever Adrian Morejon could be an intriguing free-agent target for New York. The 27-year-old has emerged as one of baseball’s most consistent bullpen arms over the past several seasons, and his combination of experience, production and age could make him one of the most sought-after pitchers on the market.
Morejon has put together another impressive season in 2026. Through 68 appearances, he has posted a 2.86 earned run average, continuing a strong stretch of performance that has established him as a dependable option out of the bullpen.
His recent track record makes the potential connection with the Mets even more interesting.
In 2025, Morejon appeared in 75 games and finished the season with an outstanding 2.08 ERA. The year before, he made 60 appearances while recording a 2.83 ERA. Over the past three seasons, he has consistently demonstrated that he can handle a significant workload while keeping opposing hitters from producing runs at a high rate.
That consistency could make him particularly attractive to the Mets as they attempt to improve their pitching depth.
Morejon Could Be One of the Top Free Agents Available
Age is another factor working in Morejon’s favor. At only 27 years old, he could potentially become one of the most attractive relief pitchers available when free agency opens.
Axisa identified the Mets and Detroit Tigers as two early potential landing spots for Morejon, suggesting that New York could be a realistic destination if the organization decides to make bullpen improvement one of its primary offseason priorities.
For the Mets, adding a proven left-handed reliever would give the pitching staff another important weapon. Bullpens can quickly become overworked during a long MLB season, and having multiple reliable options is essential for a team hoping to compete deep into October.
Morejon’s recent production suggests that he could immediately strengthen the back end and middle innings of New York’s bullpen.
The Mets also have another interesting possibility to consider. Rather than using Morejon exclusively as a reliever, the organization could potentially explore whether he has the ability to contribute as a starter.
That idea would carry some risk, but it could also provide the Mets with additional flexibility.
New York has already seen how a reliever can successfully transition into a starting role. Clay Holmes made that type of adjustment and showed that a pitcher with extensive bullpen experience can potentially thrive when given an opportunity to work in the rotation.
If the Mets believe Morejon has the necessary arsenal and durability, they could at least explore the possibility of giving him a chance to compete for a starting job.
However, even if he remains strictly a reliever, his value would be significant.
A Potential Pairing With Devin Williams
One of the most exciting possibilities would be seeing Morejon alongside Devin Williams in the Mets’ bullpen.
Williams remains one of the most recognizable relief pitchers in the game, and combining him with another established arm could give New York a much more formidable late-inning combination.
The Mets have struggled to build the kind of consistently dominant bullpen that championship contenders typically possess. Adding a pitcher with Morejon’s recent numbers could help address that problem.
The organization needs dependable arms capable of entering high-pressure situations without allowing games to slip away. Morejon’s performance over the last three seasons indicates that he could provide precisely that type of reliability.
His 2.08 ERA in 2025 was particularly impressive, while his 2.83 mark in 2024 showed that his success was not simply the result of one exceptional season. Even with his ERA increasing to 2.86 in 2026, he has continued to perform at a level that makes him an attractive target.
That consistency is especially valuable when considering the uncertainty that often comes with free-agent relievers.
Mets Need a Strong Offseason
The Mets’ decision to sell at the trade deadline highlighted the organization’s need to reassess its roster. One of the notable moves involved Luke Weaver, who was sent to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Weaver was under contract through 2027 and could have remained an important piece of New York’s bullpen. Trading him created another hole that the front office will need to address.
That makes the free-agent market particularly important.
David Stearns and the Mets’ front office will have pressure to make meaningful improvements this offseason. After the team’s struggles in 2026, simply making minor adjustments may not be enough.
Bringing in an established reliever such as Morejon would demonstrate an intention to address one of the team’s biggest weaknesses.
Of course, the Mets will not be the only organization interested if Morejon reaches free agency. His age and three-year track record of strong production should generate plenty of attention around the league.
The competition could also drive up his eventual price.
New York will therefore have to determine whether Morejon fits its long-term plans and whether the organization is willing to make the financial commitment necessary to secure him.
Still, the potential fit is difficult to ignore.
Morejon is young enough to remain productive for several years, has extensive MLB experience and has consistently posted strong ERA numbers. He is also a left-hander, giving the Mets another valuable dimension within their pitching staff.
If New York can add him without sacrificing other major roster needs, the move could significantly improve the bullpen.
For a team coming off a difficult season, acquiring a pitcher of Morejon’s caliber could be one of the moves that helps change the direction of the roster.
The Mets have several decisions to make before the 2027 season begins, but improving their bullpen should be near the top of the list. Adrian Morejon could provide an opportunity to address that need with an established, high-quality arm.
Whether he ultimately ends up in Queens remains uncertain, but the connection makes plenty of sense. If the Mets are serious about building a stronger pitching staff and returning to contention, pursuing one of baseball’s better young relievers could be a smart place to start.
