Free agency loves to dangle the shiny toys, but the real edge comes from understanding which moves make sense for a roster already juggling big financial commitments. The New York Mets are trying to strengthen the bullpen in a way that complements those realities, which means the hunt for a reliable late-inning arm has shifted into a search for efficiency. It is simply the kind of offseason where every dollar needs a purpose.
Emilio Pagan enters that conversation with a profile that stands out for a different reason. He carries the reputation of a closer, yet his projected contract lands in a range that keeps him accessible for teams that see him in a setup lane.