CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 21: Marcus Stroman #0 of the New York Mets pitches in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 21, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Entering the season, the New York Mets had a lot on the line. There were high expectations to open the Steve Cohen era on a high note, given their young core and Cy Young frontrunner. However, for those who are set to hit free agency following the season, the stakes were higher.
For the ten players who could hit the open market, they knew they would be playing for their next contract in 2021.