A new MLB rumor offers the New York Mets the chance to make a big trade for an ace-level pitcher. However, it is not a deal for Tarik Skubal or Freddy Peralta.
Last week was an eventful one for the NY Mets. After emerging as a serious favorite to land the No. 1 player available in free agency this offseason, Kyle Tucker, the club ended up losing the chase to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
However, they responded immediately by making one of the biggest splashes of the offseason when they inked Toronto Blue Jays All-Star Bo Bichette to a $126 million deal. While it adds a big bat to the lineup for 2026, they still need a proven veteran player in the outfield, and have been seeking a frontline starter all winter.
Well, an interesting opportunity for that pitcher is still available with a rival team in the National League. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, “The Cincinnati Reds remain open to the possibility [of trading a starter] if the return improves them for the present and future.”
It means talented pitchers like Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott are available. Greene would have the most appeal to the NY Mets because of his age (25), he is a one-time All-Star, and can be an ace pitcher for years to come.
What would it cost the NY Mets to make a Hunter Greene trade?
However, it won’t be cheap to acquire a player who can make a major impact in 2026 and beyond. So what are the Reds looking for in a trade? “The Reds almost certainly would need a major-league-ready starter in return. And they still want more offense, too,” Rosenthal reports.
The NY Mets have a variety of trade packages they can offer in a potential deal for Hunter Greene. In terms of veteran players, adding one-time All-Star Kodai Senga is a possibility. He is signed for three-more seasons at an affordable cost. However, his injury history may turn Cincinnati off.
Infielders Mark Vientos and Bretty Baty would also be options, especially because they have proven to be impact hitters in the big leagues at different points in their short careers. Plus, they are cost-effective additions.
When it comes to young talent, stud prospects Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams could also be included in a trade to land the Reds star.
Greene is under team control for the next four seasons (2029 club option) at a very affordable rate considering his talent and potential.
