Mets linked to four starting pitchers after losing Kyle Tucker to Dodgers

Contributor
Matt Sullivan
Mets linked to four starting pitchers after losing Kyle Tucker to Dodgers image

The New York Mets have dealt with a shaky offseason. While they've added a few nice players and made a few savvy trades, they've seen three players depart to sign elsewhere.

Most recently, the Mets lost Kyle Tucker to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a brutal move for the Mets. Now that Tucker's off the board, the Mets have to pivot. And instead of going after another outfielder, the Mets' next move might be in the starting rotation.

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic linked four starting pitcher options to the Mets after they lost out on Tucker. Of these four options, two are trade targets, while two are free-agent options, and all would make the rotation better.

Mets linked to 4 pitchers to upgrade rotation

The Mets need to add another starter to their rotation, and Rosenthal named four options the Mets could be considering this offseason.

In a potential trade, the Mets could go after Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers or MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals.

Peralta is the better pitcher, coming off an impressive 17-win season with a 2.70 ERA, compared to Gore. But, with Gore having an extra year of club control, both will see a similar price tag this winter.

Either would make a lot of sense for the Mets, especially amid the clear need for a frontline starter to join a young rotation.

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In free agency, Rosenthal linked the Mets to the two best remaining starters in Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen. While the lefty Valdez is the best option, he's going to cost a lot, and might be seeking a longer deal than the Mets are willing to give.

Gallen, after a shaky 2025 season, might be more inclined to take a shorter prove-it deal with the Mets and hope his 2026 season in New York is enough to spark a competitive free agency next offseason.

Any of these four options would make sense for the Mets. Valdez and Gallen are the most likely options, since the Mets won't have to get another team to agree to a trade.

Peralta is the more likely trade option, as the Nationals might not want to trade with the in-division Mets. But, regardless of who it is, the Mets need to add another starter, and these four pitchers linked by Rosenthal to the Mets are the most likely options this winter.

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