MLB rumor suggests current New York Mets trade target likely to come off trade block soon

A player the New York Mets were linked to recently in MLB trade rumors reportedly is very unlikely to be traded before the start of the 2025 season.

This was a really good offseason for the Mets. After stunning the baseball world by reaching the NLCS in October they had the goal of filling some big holes in the pitching staff and improving the roster. And to most MLB pundits they did that.

As they kick off camp this week, they addressed needs in the starting rotation — which includes re-signing Sean Manaea. They also brought back Ryne Stanek and added AJ Minter to the bullpen. However, their biggest moves of the offseason were inking Juan Soto a record-shattering $765 million deal, and finally re-signing homegrown All-Star Pete Alonso.

While their roster seems set for the 2025 season, the Mets have been linked to recent trade rumors that would see them acquire San Diego Padres pitchers Dylan Cease or Michael King. The asking price for the former is reportedly too high for the Mets. And it seems the latter is not expected to land with New York either. Or any other team before the season begins.

Michael King stats (2024): 13-9 record, 2.95 ERA, 1.192 WHIP, 201 strikeouts, 173.2 innings pitched

New York Mets fans get bad news about potential Michael King trade

In a new column on Tuesday, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan gave an update on Padres trade rumors to shed payroll. Both Cease and King have been linked to speculation for weeks since. Both will be free agents later this year and are expected to get hefty raises.

However, while they may be willing to move him, Passan revealed that “King is far less likely to be dealt, according to sources.” The New York native would likely require a lower prospect return in a deal than Cease. But San Diego may feel they could have a chance of re-signing him after the 2025 season. And prefer to move Cease more.

The former New York Yankees prospect would be a great addition to the New York Mets staff. And would slot right into the No. 2 spot in the rotation after a breakout year in 2024.