After dropping the final game of the 2025 MLB season to the Miami Marlins, the New York Mets are looking to make some major changes this offseason.
While there will be some turnover in the coaching staff and with the lineup, the main issue that needs to be addressed is the starting rotation. There are some intriguing names in free agency, but the Mets could look elsewhere this offseason.
Andy Martino of SNY.tv predicts that the Mets, in their aggressive pursuit of a new ace-level starter for the rotation, could turn to Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes in a trade if he were to become available.
Mets predicted to pursue a Paul Skenes trade this winter, if the opportunity arises
"David Stearns does not believe in using free agency to overpay top starting pitchers." Martino writes. "But what if Paul Skenes or Sandy Alcantara can be pried from their teams? If there is a way to land one of those two without trading Nolan McLean, why wouldn't the Mets be aggressive?"
This scenario that Martino paints would be a dream for the Mets. Being able to acquire a pitcher as good as Skenes without giving up their top pitching prospect in Nolan McLean would be a perfect scenario for the Mets.
A rotation led by Skenes, with McLean, Kodai Senga, and whoever else bringing up the final two spots, would challenge for the best rotation in baseball.
Of course, the Pirates would likely be stingy if they were to ever consider moving Skenes, and would potentially put their feet in the sand in demanding McLean as part of the deal.
While McLean has been awesome for the Mets, if Skenes can be acquired with McLean as the headliner, it would be hard not to make such a deal if the Mets can do it.
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However, the Pirates have expressed their desire to keep Skenes, though with how cheap the ownership has been in Pittsburgh, there's always a chance that Skenes could be on the move for the right price.
And the Mets, more than willing to utilize their prospects and money to their fullest, could very well go after Skenes this offseason if the opportunity arises.
The Pirates' ace is a shoo-in to win the NL Cy Young this year, and the Mets would be foolish not to try acquiring him with how badly they need to address the rotation.
It's a fascinating idea, and the Mets are no strangers to blockbuster moves, with their record-setting Juan Soto contract from the 2024-2025 offseason.
Martino's prediction isn't an in-depth one, and it's just a guess based on the offseason intentions of the Mets front office. But, with how badly this Mets team fell apart down the stretch, a move for Skenes would help increase morale heading into the 2026 season.
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