Mets Prioritize Pitching Upgrades This Offseason
After a disappointing 2025 season that saw their playoff hopes crumble, the New York Mets are determined to overhaul their starting rotation this offseason. The team's rotation was plagued by inconsistency and injuries, with the once-promising David Peterson regressing, Sean Manaea struggling with an oblique issue, and Kodai Senga losing his mechanics midway through the year.
With a glaring need for more reliable arms, the Mets have set their sights on a potential blockbuster trade for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. Skubal, 28, is coming off another strong season and could provide the Mets with the top-of-the-rotation presence they sorely lacked in 2025.
Potential Cost of Acquiring Skubal
Obtaining Skubal would not come cheap for the Mets, who boast one of baseball's top-rated farm systems. Industry sources suggest the Tigers would demand a significant prospect package in return, potentially including the Mets' top pitching prospect Nolan McLean, as well as other high-end minor leaguers.
While the Mets have shown a willingness to dip into their prospect depth in the past, the cost of Skubal could test their limits. As one source put it, "You can't get one of baseball's best arms by sticking to the bargain bin." The Mets will have to weigh the long-term impact of trading away their top young talent against the immediate need to bolster their rotation.
Balancing Roster Needs and Financial Constraints
In addition to the prospect cost, the Mets will also have to consider Skubal's impending free agency. The left-hander is set to hit the open market after the 2026 season, meaning the Mets would need to be prepared to sign him to a lucrative long-term extension to justify the trade.
This factor could complicate negotiations, as the Mets must balance their desire to win now with the potential financial constraints of a big-money deal for Skubal. The team's recent contract extension with slugger Pete Alonso has already stretched their payroll, and they'll have to weigh the pros and cons of further committing significant resources to their pitching staff.
TL;DR
- The New York Mets are prioritizing starting pitching upgrades this offseason after their rotation struggled in 2025.
- The team has its sights set on a potential blockbuster trade for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal.
- Acquiring Skubal would likely require the Mets to part with top prospect Nolan McLean and other high-end minor leaguers.
- The Mets must balance the cost of a Skubal trade with his impending free agency and their existing financial commitments, including Pete Alonso's extension.