The New York Mets need an ace pitcher to spearhead their rotation in 2026. However, the three elite arms they have been linked to in recent trade rumors are all reportedly off the market.
There were several different reasons why New York had a historic collapse in September. However, the biggest issue was their pitching staff. Specifically, their starting rotation. Things got so bad that the club took the desperate step of promoting their three best pitching prospects during a playoff race, including Jonah Tong, a few weeks after just being in Double-A.
Since they missed out on the playoffs, upgrading the rotation, and specifically bringing in a legitimate ace, is expected to be a priority this winter. In recent weeks, they have been linked to a few high-profile pitchers, including Detroit Tigers superstar Tarik Skubal. Unfortunately, it looks like those game-changing arms are no longer on the market.
Speculation grew recently that 2025 NL Cy Young Paul Skenes could be available in trades this winter. However, at the MLB general manager meetings this week, Pittsburgh Pirates GM Ben Cherington proclaimed his top star will be playing in the Steel City next year. And it seems Skubal and Milwaukee Brewers star Freddy Peralta are staying put as well.
Mets won’t make trades for Tarik Skubal or Freddy Peralta this winter
“As Jim Duquette and I have both heard over the course of the last day or so, rival teams are expecting the Brewers to hold Peralta now,” SNY MLB insider Andy Martino reports. “So, perception at the GM meetings is that Peralta, Skubal, and Skenesare are unavailable in trades at the moment.”
The belief around the game is that it would be smart for the Tigers to take offers on the 2025 AL Cy Young Award winner. He is in the final year of his rookie contract and is expected to get a record-breaking deal for a pitcher that Detroit can’t afford. However, many believe the club can hold off and get just as good an offer at the trade deadline if they don’t believe they can contend for a World Series in 2026.
For many teams, Peralta was viewed as a strong backup option to a potential Skubal pursuit. He is in that second tier of elite pitchers after earning All-Star honors for a second time this year. Furthermore, he is making just $8 million in 2026. A bargain rate for a pitcher of his level. However, his cost-effective contract is a major reason why Milwaukee would rather hold on to him and take their chances of losing him in free agency next year.
If Skenes, Skubal, and Peralta are off the market, the Miami Marlins will now benefit from a bidding war for ace Sandy Alcantara. A player they are reportedly open to taking trade offers on.
