The New York Mets, under the ownership of Steve Cohen, have sparked a fascinating trend in Major League Baseball: a seemingly relentless pursuit of former Yankees players. But here's where it gets controversial: is this strategy a brilliant move to strengthen the roster, or a risky gamble that could backfire? Let's dive into the growing list of ex-Yankees now donning Mets orange and blue, and explore the implications of this crosstown talent swap.
The latest addition, reliever Devin Williams, signed a three-year, $51 million contract (https://nypost.com/2025/12/01/sports/mets-signing-devin-williams-to-three-year-deal-in-mlb-free-agency/) with the Mets, continuing a pattern that has become increasingly noticeable since Cohen took the helm in 2021. While the Mets and Yankees haven't directly clashed in free-agent bidding wars for every player—with the notable exception of the intense 2024 battle for Juan Soto—it's hard to ignore the frequency with which former Bronx Bombers are now riding the 7 train.
And this is the part most people miss: this trend isn't just about player acquisitions; it's also about strategic hires and managerial shifts. Here’s a closer look at some of the key figures who’ve made the switch in recent years:
Juan Soto (2025)
Soto tops this list after a high-profile bidding war between the Yankees and Mets. The Mets ultimately secured him with a record-breaking 15-year deal potentially exceeding $800 million. While Soto only spent one year in the Bronx, his signing marked a significant victory for the Mets, proving they could outbid their rivals for top-tier talent.
Clay Holmes (2025)
After a mixed three-and-a-half-year tenure as the Yankees’ closer, Holmes transitioned to a starting role with the Mets. He posted a respectable 3.53 ERA in 33 games (31 starts) during his first season, though he struggled with endurance late in the season.
Frankie Montas (2025)
Montas’ time with the Yankees was short-lived and underwhelming, with just nine outings and eight starts after his 2022 acquisition. His stint with the Mets was equally disappointing, culminating in a 6.28 ERA and season-ending surgery. The Mets released him this offseason (https://nypost.com/2025/11/18/sports/mets-dump-34m-mistake-frankie-montas-to-protect-prospect-from-rule-5-draft/).
Carlos Mendoza (2024)
The Mets hired Aaron Boone’s former bench coach, Carlos Mendoza, to replace Buck Showalter as manager. Mendoza spent six years on the Yankees’ staff, including four as Boone’s second-in-command. Assistant pitching coach Desi Druschel also made the same move.
Luis Severino (2024)
After eight seasons with the Yankees, Severino’s tenure ended on a low note with a 6.65 ERA in 2023. He rebounded with the Mets, posting a 3.91 ERA across 31 starts, his best performance since 2018. This success earned him a three-year, $67 million deal with the A’s.
Harrison Bader (2024)
Bader, acquired by the Yankees in 2022, struggled with injuries in 2023. The Mets signed him for the 2024 season, but despite a strong start, he failed to maintain his production and lost playing time to Tyrone Taylor.
Luis Torrens (2024)
Though Torrens never played for the Yankees, they originally signed him as an amateur free agent. After a brief return in 2024, the Yankees traded him to the Mets, where he’s been a reliable backup catcher and an elite defender against base stealers.
David Robertson (2023)
A Yankees stalwart from 2008-2014, Robertson returned to the Bronx in 2018 before signing with the Mets in 2023. Despite the team’s struggles that season, he pitched well enough to be traded for two prospects.
Gary Sanchez (2023)
Sanchez’s Mets tenure was brief, appearing in just three games in 2023. Once a highly touted Yankee, his career declined in his final years with the team.
Buck Showalter (2022)
Showalter began his managerial career with the Yankees in 1992, leading them for four years. He joined the Mets in 2022, guiding them to the playoffs before a disastrous 2023 season led to his firing.
Billy Eppler (2022)
Hired as the Mets’ general manager in 2022, Eppler previously worked under Brian Cashman with the Yankees. His tenure with the Mets was short-lived, ending in resignation after he was placed on MLB’s ineligible list for rule violations.
Adam Ottavino (2022)
Ottavino had a strong first season with the Yankees in 2019 but struggled thereafter. He signed with the Mets in 2022, enjoying a stellar first season before returning to the Yankees for three games in 2025.
Honorable Mention: Robinson Cano (2019)
While Cano’s move predates Cohen’s ownership, he remains one of the most notable players to switch sides. Acquired by the Mets from the Mariners in 2019, his tenure in Queens was underwhelming, leading to his departure in 2022.
Thought-Provoking Question: Is the Mets’ strategy of targeting ex-Yankees a smart way to leverage familiarity and talent, or does it risk creating a team of castoffs rather than a cohesive unit? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this crosstown rivalry!
