The New York Mets spent money at a high rate last offseason and it led to missing out on the postseason.

Steve Cohen, being the richest owner in baseball by a wide margin flexed his muscles in 2022, despite missing out on Carlos Correa. It led to both Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander being dealt and looking to a reloading. To this point, Cohen and the Mets have been silent.

Now that the major names are off the market, New York should be ready to make bids elsewhere. Shohei Ohtani was not interested in joining the Mets while Cohen was used as a bargaining chip for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who ultimately did not want to be a Met either.

This does not mean that the offseason needs to end up being a failure. Below are three moves that need to be made to solidify the roster once again.

3. Starting Pitcher

Yamamoto was the biggest name on the market this offseason and he ended up in Los Angeles. Now, it is time for the Mets to pivot elsewhere but where will they go?

The reigning N.L. Cy Young winner Blake Snell is likely going to get a big deal, as is Jordan Montgomery. New York could pivot to one of these options. Montgomery seems more appealing than Snell, despite the campaign he put together in 2023. Lucas Giolito is also an option on the open market.

The final option would be for the Mets to make a trade for a starting pitcher but that should not be at theta of the priority list. All available starters will be free agents next offseason, meaning New York could pursue them without giving up other assets.

It is unknown where the Mets will go but as of now, there are just four starters, many low-level, in the rotation and there is a glaring absence at the top.

2. Josh Hader

The bullpen has been a major issue for the Mets for what feels like a decade now since 2015. There is one very expensive option left on the market but if Cohen is serious about spending, he could pull the trigger.

Last year, the Mets signed closer Edwin Diaz to a five-year, $100-million contract. Josh Hader is allegedly looking for a deal north of that number. Could the Mets bring in another $100-million reliever?

Hader continues to be one of the best relief pitchers in the game and would give the Mets great versatility at the back end of the bullpen — and from the left side.

There are certain moves that prove a team is serious about contending. Diaz is already in place. Now, the Mets should solidify the bullpen with Hader and create a two-headed monster.

1. J.D. Martinez

The Mets have been linked to names like Justin Turner and Gio Urshela. The one right-handed bat that should be at the top of the list is J.D. Martinez.

New York will feature an interesting lineup of youngsters to go along with Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso this season. There is still a hole in the middle that could be filled with a power bat. At 35 years old, Martinez is still a pure hitter producing at a high level.

Martinez has been named an All-Star in each of the last three years and five out of six years. In Los Angeles last season, Martinez hit .271 with 33 home runs and 103 RBI. This is the perfect option to hit 3-4, along with Alonso, and behind Lindor.

The Mets have young players who look promising, outside of Ronny Mauricio who will miss the season with a torn ACL. Pair that with another star and the lineup would take an immediate step forward.