The New York Mets may have their eyes on the biggest prize in the Dodgers’ free-agent picture, but focusing exclusively on Tarik Skubal could cause them to overlook three other players who could address important roster needs. Skubal is understandably the headline name, but the Mets could potentially find more practical value elsewhere when the offseason arrives.
Skubal has emerged as one of the most attractive names on the upcoming free-agent market, and the Mets are among the clubs with the financial resources to pursue a potentially massive contract. But if New York’s front office is serious about rebuilding a roster capable of competing deep into October, the smarter strategy may be to examine the Dodgers’ entire free-agent class rather than putting all of its attention on one superstar.
The Dodgers are once again showing why their roster construction is so difficult to duplicate. Los Angeles has continued winning despite dealing with injuries and significant roster movement, and the club recently pushed its winning streak to six games with a 3-2 victory over Cincinnati. Skubal was instrumental in that victory, throwing 7⅓ innings and allowing two runs while striking out seven. Tanner Scott then closed out the game for his 22nd save.
But from the Mets’ perspective, the more interesting question may be what happens underneath the superstar level.
Evan Phillips could be the sneaky target
One name Mets fans should keep an eye on is Evan Phillips.
Phillips does not carry the same headline value as Skubal, but his track record makes him a potentially intriguing addition to a Mets bullpen that could use another dependable arm. Since joining Los Angeles in 2021, Phillips has posted a 2.34 ERA, demonstrating the kind of consistency that can become extremely valuable during a long season. His 2026 ERA has risen to 3.48, but his underlying strikeout and walk numbers remain attractive.
Phillips has also had to navigate his return from Tommy John surgery. He pitched only a limited number of innings in 2025 and has gradually increased his workload this season. That makes his recent stretch particularly noteworthy.
According to the source analysis, Phillips had gone 15.1 innings without allowing a run during his recent run, providing evidence that he may be rounding into form at precisely the right time.
For the Mets, that could make Phillips a fascinating offseason target.
New York does not necessarily need another flashy closer. What it needs is reliability. A reliever capable of handling difficult innings, missing bats and limiting free passes could be just as important as adding another star to the rotation.
Eric Lauer presents a different opportunity
The second Dodgers free agent worth monitoring is Eric Lauer, and his potential appeal to the Mets is very different.
Lauer has spent much of his career operating as a swingman, moving between the starting rotation and bullpen. That versatility could be extremely valuable for a Mets organization trying to construct a pitching staff capable of surviving injuries and a demanding regular season.
Interestingly, Lauer also has a connection to Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns. Lauer’s career as a versatile pitcher developed in part during Stearns’ time with Milwaukee, where he was acquired from San Diego. He was also moved between roles with Toronto before Los Angeles used him more heavily in its rotation.
His 2026 numbers are not spectacular, and that is precisely why he could be an interesting target rather than an obvious one.
Before his most recent injury setback, Lauer had a 3.78 ERA with the Dodgers. His overall ERA climbed to 4.50 after a difficult outing against St. Louis in which he surrendered seven earned runs over three innings.
That rough performance should not necessarily erase the larger picture.
The Mets could potentially use Lauer as a long reliever, emergency starter or rotation depth piece. Those roles become especially important over a 162-game season, when even teams with talented rotations eventually need someone capable of absorbing innings.
For New York, that type of flexibility could be more useful than spending enormous money on another pitcher who can only fill one role.
Alex Vesia could solve a major bullpen problem
Then there is Alex Vesia, perhaps the most interesting fit if the Mets want to strengthen their bullpen from the left side.
Vesia has established himself as a reliable Dodgers reliever, carrying a 2.98 ERA this season and a 2.72 ERA across more than 300 innings with Los Angeles. His career strikeout rate has also been impressive, sitting around 12 strikeouts per nine innings.
There are concerns. His walk numbers have been problematic this season, and his strikeout rate has dipped from his career level. But his ability to limit home runs remains a significant positive.
That combination could make him particularly appealing to New York.
The Mets have several intriguing relievers competing for bullpen spots, but competition does not necessarily mean the organization has enough proven options. The departures of Luke Weaver and Huascar Brazoban leave questions about how the bullpen should be constructed, and adding both a right-handed and left-handed option could become an offseason priority.
Vesia would give the Mets another experienced left-hander who has already performed under the enormous expectations surrounding the Dodgers.
Why this could matter more than another superstar chase
The temptation for the Mets will be obvious.
Steve Cohen’s resources mean New York can realistically pursue elite talent, and Skubal represents the kind of marquee acquisition that could immediately transform a rotation. The Dodgers’ current success only strengthens the appeal of taking talent away from a perennial championship contender.
But championship teams are not built entirely around one massive signing.
The Mets need depth, bullpen stability and pitchers capable of handling different situations. Phillips, Lauer and Vesia offer three very different skill sets that could address those needs without requiring New York to win an offseason bidding war for the biggest name available.
And there is another reason Mets fans should pay attention.
The Dodgers are currently proving that pitching depth can make a huge difference. Los Angeles has dealt with injuries to several important pitchers this season, yet continues to find ways to keep winning. Blake Snell recently returned from elbow surgery and threw six scoreless innings in a victory over Washington, while Emmet Sheehan recently returned from the minors and struck out 10 against Cincinnati.
That is exactly the kind of depth New York needs to build.
The Mets should not stop at Skubal
Skubal may remain the dream target, and there is little reason for the Mets not to explore that possibility if the financial requirements are manageable.
But the bigger offseason opportunity could be constructing a deeper roster around whichever major move New York makes.
Phillips could provide bullpen experience and strikeout ability. Lauer could offer versatility and rotation insurance. Vesia could give the Mets another proven left-handed option.
None carries the same excitement as Skubal.
That may be exactly why Mets fans should watch them.
The biggest offseason acquisition will get the headlines, but smaller moves often determine whether a roster survives the marathon of a baseball season. If New York wants to return to serious contention, these three Dodgers free agents could deserve just as much attention from the Mets’ scouting department as the superstar at the top of the list.
Leave a Reply