Mets mailbag: Newsday Mets beat writer Laura Albanese answers fans' questions
Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal throws against the Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field on Aug. 4, 2026 in Chicago. Credit: Getty Images/Michael Reaves
The Mets this year are a confusing team that recently got even more confusing by going on a hot streak that was simultaneously encouraging and frustrating. Though what they’re doing now can tidily be summed up as “too little, too late,’’ there are lingering questions about the team’s present and its murky future.
It’s time for another Mets mailbag, courtesy of Newsday’s readers.
Q: Should the Mets go after Tarik Skubal? I don’t think they have a chance at him with the Dodgers, Yankees, Atlanta, Phillies, Rays all involved. I’d like to see them bring back Clay Holmes. What do you think?
— Nick Ziino, Ridge
You go for Tarik Skubal if you can, but understand that the bidding war will be fierce and that signing him will be uncomfortable — an expensive, lengthy contract that is certain to devalue significantly in its later years, which something president of baseball operations David Stearns has been loath to commit to. Skubal also is coming off minor elbow surgery.
But there are so many other factors at play. The collective bargaining agreement is set to expire after this season, and it’s unclear how that will affect free agency and how much the Mets can spend. In the event Skubal signs before the CBA expires, Steve Cohen may be able to throw as much money at the two-time Cy Young Award winner as he desires. If Skubal signs after it expires — well, spending potentially could be curtailed and difficult decisions will have to be made.
That said, the Mets have tried to float by without a front-line starter these last two seasons, and it bit them hard (and no, Freddy Peralta was not a true ace and should not have been expected to be one). Skubal is the real deal.
Now, a few weeks ago, I would have said it would be impossible to pry Skubal away from the Dodgers and their infinite piggy bank, but that was before we learned owner Mark Walter is under federal investigation for financial misconduct — something that could be very impactful on his club and its spending. If Cohen really wants Skubal, I don’t see any of the other teams being a true risk.
As for Holmes, I’ve always liked that signing, and he has three things the Mets need: durability, consistency and the ability to perform well in New York — with that last quality being something the front office has undervalued in the past. I have no problem with the Mets bringing him back.
Q: A number of David Stearns’ offseason acquisitions flopped in ways that were frankly easy to see coming. Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr. had extensive injury histories and Marcus Semien is 35. Has the front office indicated they’re changing their processes beyond the “we’re looking at everything” lip service?
— Michael Conte, Floral Park
The front office has no choice, because Cohen was very clear that he believes Stearns took on too much risk. When asked this week about the job Stearns is doing, Cohen first underlined that he is “committed” to his president of baseball operations but then pointedly noted that Stearns “knows what he’s doing, he’s very adaptable, he learns from his mistakes.”
Read: Stearns made mistakes and his boss expects him to fix them.
When asked what those mistakes were, Cohen noted the aforementioned risk assessment (something Stearns has copped to as well) and that he potentially made too many changes too quickly. He acknowledged that the Mets need to identify players who are more likely to thrive in New York but noted that it can be a difficult quality to pinpoint.
Q: Given the prospects they brought in at the trade deadline, what are some realistic upgrades to either first base, second base or the pitching staff to pursue via trade this offseason?
— Doug Buckland, Flushing
I think the Mets probably could net Yandy Diaz if the Rays, not known for their expansive spending, don’t feel like picking up his $10 million option. The Astros’ Isaac Paredes has a conditional club option and he can play first and second base, though third is where he spent most of his time. The Mariners have a few pitchers they can unload, and Emerson Hancock, who’s pitching to a career-best 3.30 ERA, could fit nicely into this young rotation.
Q: What’s the best ballpark food you’ve had at Citi Field this year?
— Frank Allman, Woodside
I’m going to be straight with you — the food at Citi hasn’t been as good as it has been in recent years (I had a meatball sub that was nothing short of an abomination). But there still are excellent options to be found. I really liked Chef Kwame’s Chopped Cheese patty, the beef and cheese empanada from Puerto Rican Soul Kitchen and the bulgogi cheesesteak spring rolls from Seoul Bird.
Laura Albanese is the Mets beat writer for Newsday. She's been covering MLB since 2014 after starting at Newsday as an intern seven years earlier.
