The New York Mets continue to be one of the most confusing teams in professional baseball.

After a 101-win season that led to an NL East collapse and early exit from the postseason, the downfall continued in 2023. The Mets are coming off a season where they finished 75-87 and sold their big contracts at the trade deadline. Of course, Steve Cohen and the Mets decided to eat much of the salary for players like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer to get high-level prospects.

The Mets are currently working to build up the farm system and develop young players at the Major League level. This can also be done while competing for a postseason spot in 2024. Is it likely? If the team can add a DH to the lineup, who knows what could happen?

The top of the lineup will continue to feature the likes of Brandon Nimmo, Francisco Lindor, and Pete Alonso. Fans are hoping that Jeff McNeil returns to form and that Francisco Alvarez can take the next step as an everyday catcher. The only thing missing is a legitimate bat in the DH spot and these names can solve the problem.

4. Rhys Hoskins

The Mets are familiar with Hoskins with him being in Philadelphia for the last six years. At 31 years old, Hoskins might be looking for a short-term deal to prove that he is healthy. If this is the case, the Mets might be interested but it is likely that he ends up in the middle of the country somewhere.

Hoskins is an interesting option. He is a power-hitting right-handed bat, which wold be beneficial for New York. Hoskins missed last season with a torn ACL. Prior to that, he saw his strikeout numbers increase and On-base percentage take a dip. If Hoskins is willing to take a one-year deal to show that he is ready to go, New York could take a flier.

3. Jorge Soler

Soler is the lone player on this list that the Mets should be willing to give a multi-year deal to. What might that look like? In the ballpark of four years for $50 million. That would be a home run in itself but the Mets seem to be falling out of the race. The Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as favorites for Soler but Cohen should be looking to make one final push.

In 2023, Soler hit .250 with 36 home runs and 75 RBI for the Miami Marlins. He is a former World Series MVP who has had success everywhere along the way. The Mets need protection in the lineup for Alonso and Soler would provide just that right away.

Soler lands at third on this list strictly based off probability but if it was listing the best options, he would be a resounding No. 1 choice.

2. Justin Turner

Turner signed a two-year deal with the Boston Red Sox last December. It came with a player option and this is something he turned down heading into 2024. Turner is coming off a strong year in Boston and could return to his old stomping ground.

Turner has been linked to the Mets this offseason, a place where he played over a decade ago. In 2023, Turner hit .276 with 23 home runs and an impressive 96 RBI. He got on base at a .345 clip and struck out just 110 times. This would look pretty good for the Mets in the middle of a lineup that needs a spark.

This would also fit into the plan for the Mets long-term. New York has added multiple players on one- or two-year deals. At 38 years old, Turner could sign a one-year deal and get the Mets to the 2025 offseason, where they could be looking to save all pennies for Juan Soto.

1. J.D. Martinez

The best option for the Mets is a veteran right-hander who continues to produce at a high level. Martinez is one of the bats that has been linked to the Mets and would be exactly the piece needed for this team to compete.

Martinez hit .271 last season and drove in 103 runs. He hit 33 home runs and 27 doubles. This came after back-to-back seasons with 40 or more doubles. Martinez is still producing in a big way and at 35 years old, brings the same contract flexibility that Turner would.

The Mets have shown interest in a bat but it is unknown if they will add one. Right now, the DH spot is not good enough. Plug Martinez in and the lineup is immediately stronger and looks far better on paper.