New York Mets owner Steve Cohen followed through on his promise to spend whatever it takes to build this team into a contender. The largest payroll in MLB history gives New York a chance to be the best team in MLB, but there is always room for improvement.

The NL East is the best division in baseball. It’s going to be a three-team slugfest in 2023 between the reigning National League champions (Philadelphia Phillies), the 2021 World Series champs (Atlanta Braves) and the Mets’ star-studded roster. While making the MLB playoffs is a near certainty for all three clubs, only one of them could go the distance in October.

Another superstar isn’t coming. While the James McCann trade alleviated some of the record-setting tax Cohen will have to pay, he wants to do more within reason. There is still plenty of time to add to the roster, especially with a quality farm system.

Here are three moves the New York Mets could make to strengthen their World Series odds.

Liam Hendriks traded to New York Mets

New York could certainly be satisfied with its current bullpen. It signed Edwin Diaz to a massive contract, creating a new Bobby Bonilla situation. The Mets also brought back Adam Ottavino and signed David Robertson to bolster their wealth of high-end relievers.

Yet, every October demonstrates a team can never have enough quality pitching for critical situations. The Chicago White Sox have made All-Star closer Liam Hendriks available and he is on the Mets’ radar.

• New York Mets acquire: Ronny Mauricio, Matt Allan
• Chicago White Sox acquire: Liam Hendriks, $5 million

The $5 million cash considerations included would cover approximately 35% of Hendriks’ 2023 salary ($14.33 million). There is a $15 million club option for 2023, but it automatically vests if traded. Even so, Hendriks has proven to be worth his contract.

New York could use the All-Star closer in matchup roles, either deploying him for saves in the 9th inning when Diaz faces the top of the ordering in the 8th or simply using him as a set-up man. The quartet of Robertson-Ottavino-Hendriks-Diaz would provide the Mets with one of the best bullpens in MLB, strengthening their advantages in a postseason series.