While the free-agent market seems flush with starting pitchers the New York Mets can target, first base does not have nearly as many options that are very appealing.

Milwaukee's decision to extend a qualifying offer to Jake Bauers may take the Mets out of play for his services, while a lower-cost addition like Ty France may not move the needle that much in a platoon with Jared Young .

At his end-of-season press conference, Stearns listed getting a first baseman as a priority, and adding one big bat there could significantly lengthen the lineup. While other names like Christian Walker and Spencer Torkelson could fit on the trade market, the Mets could make a bolder play to pry Vinnie Pasquantino from the Kansas City Royals.

Examining a potential Vinnie Pasquantino trade between the Mets and Royals

The Royals are in an intriguing spot because they have one of the best players in baseball, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., under contract on a long-term deal.…