A new report suggests that the New York Mets adding a big-time star pitcher in the next few weeks is “inevitable.”
To many Mets fans, this has been a frustrating offseason for the club. Sure, they added three-time All-Star Marcus Semien, veteran power bat Jorge Polanco, and closer Devin Williams. However, they either lost in free agency or traded four core members of the roster, like Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo.
The team’s fanbase is dying for them to make a big move. Especially for the pitching staff. Well, apparently that could happen soon. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, “it seems inevitable” that the team will sign either Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez. However, they have been linked to potential moves for other big-time players in recent weeks as well.
With that in mind, let’s look at five star pitchers the team could get in the next few weeks.
Framber Valdez
Valdez is seen by many as the best pitcher still left on the market. But even before free agency opened, he was viewed as the best. Yet, his market has been slow to develop because he is seeking a longer-term deal than clubs are currently willing to give the 32-year-old. The NY Mets are a top contender for the two-time All-Star, and if he is willing to take a three-year deal, they will become the favorites to sign him.
Ranger Suarez
Many expected Suarez to be off the free agent market by now, yet the underrated one-time All-Star is still available to the highest bidder. Like Valdez, he is looking for a lot of years in a potential contract, and teams are balking at that price for the 30-year-old. Of the two veteran pitchers, Olney seems to think the Mets are more likely to sign the Phillies veteran.
“Suarez makes a lot of sense, given his calm mound presence and experience pitching in a big market for all of those years in Philadelphia,” Olney writes.
Freddy Peralta
One of the NY Mets’ top rumored targets is Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta. He is an elite talent and will only make $8 million in the final year of his contract. However, over the last few weeks, the trade chatter died down. However, this week, a new rumor suggests trade conversations should soon heat up. The Mets should be viewed as a serious contender to acquire the one-time All-Star.
Mackenzie Gore
Washington Nationals All-Star Mackenzie Gore is a talented pitcher who has flown under the radar this offseason. However, according to Olney, “Some rival clubs still believe that Mackenzie Gore is going to move before mid-February.”
The 26-year-old is under arbitration control for two more seasons and could be a big difference maker for the Mets in 2026.
Tarik Skubal
The dream target for the NY Mets would be Detroit Tigers superstar Tarik Skubal. They have the trade assets to interest Detroit, and he is the sort of talent that could make them a serious World Series contender in the NL. What makes a deal difficult, other than the asking price, is whether giving up a boatload of elite prospects is worth it for a player that will hit free agency and seek out a record deal next offseason?
While it is the most unlikely acquisition, it is still a possibility in the next few weeks.
