The New York Mets face critical roster decisions as MLB free agency officially opens, with Edwin Diaz receiving a qualifying offer that could reshape the closer market.  

The $22.025 million QO complicates Diaz's free agency while potentially securing draft pick compensation for the Mets if he signs elsewhere.  

Meanwhile, the starting pitcher market presents challenges, as top arms like Franber Valdez, Dylan Cease, and Zach Gallen all carry qualifying offer penalties.

Host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the Mets' strategic positioning, analyzing how luxury tax implications affect their pursuit of free agents and the surprising contract option decisions across baseball.  

The episode covers waiver claims of Jose Castillo and Ji-wan Bae, plus the hiring of Tim Leiper as third base coach. Pete Alonso's first career Silver Slugger award and Juan Soto's sixth consecutive honor highlight the Mets' offensive firepower, while prospects Nick Morabito and Chris Suero earn Arizona Fall League All-Star selections.

Discover how the qualifying offer system impacts the Mets' offseason strategy and which free agents make sense for their 2026 roster construction.

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