Mets eyeing AL starter as potential trade target

David Stearns and the rest of the New York Mets' front office have made it clear that they intend to add a frontline starting pitcher to their rotation before the 2026 season begins.

Recent reports have indicated that while the Mets are still keeping tabs on Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen, who are the two best free agent pitchers remaining, the team's preference is to trade for a starter rather than acquire one in free agency.

And this strategy makes sense. Not only could the Mets ship one of their current pitchers (many of whom had underwhelming 2025 campaigns) away in a deal like this, but they could also pull from their fantastic farm system or their surplus of quality young infielders to get a trade over the line. And doing so would help round out their roster ahead of Opening Day, especially if they used the money saved on not signing a starter in free agency to add an outfielder like Cody Bellinger.

It's no secret that New York has been in trade talks with the Milwaukee Brewers for ace Freddy Peralta. But Peralta is far from the only standout reliever the Mets could pursue who might be on the trade block.