Mets' search for elite pitching could lead to blockbuster trade with Twins at Winter Meetings

Gottie Chavez

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Mets' search for elite pitching could lead to blockbuster trade with Twins at Winter Meetings image

After going all in last offseason and entering the year with the majors’ highest payroll, more than $340 million, the New York Mets delivered one of the most disappointing seasons in baseball, falling short of even making the playoffs.

Now, with their championship window still open, the Mets are looking to shore up the holes that sank them, particularly in a starting rotation battered by injuries and stretched thin by inexperienced arms. New York even broke an MLB record by using 46 different pitchers over the course of the season, a stark sign of how unstable the staff became.

As the 2025 Winter Meetings approach, the Mets are rumored to be in talks with the Minnesota Twins about acquiring All-Star right-hander Joe Ryan.

New York eying All-Star Joe Ryan as rotation overhaul begins

Ryan, who many around the league expected to be dealt at the deadline, delivered a breakout 2025 campaign instead, finishing with a 3.42 ERA across 171 innings and a 13–10 record on his way to his first All-Star selection.

According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, Ryan has drawn interest from the Mets as they search for a frontline starter, and the Minnesota Twins are believed to have mutual interest in New York pitching prospect Jonah Tong. 

With growing speculation that the Twins may look to move on from Ryan and fellow starter Pablo López, the 22-year-old Tong could be the type of young arm Minnesota targets as it reshapes its pitching staff. 

Tong earned a call-up amid the Mets’ rotation injuries and made his MLB debut in August against the Miami Marlins, throwing five innings, striking out six and earning the win. He became only the second Mets rookie age 22 or younger to throw at least five innings with one or fewer earned runs in his debut. 

Despite the strong first impression, Tong struggled in his four subsequent starts, posting a 7.71 ERA over 18⅔ innings with a 2–3 record. Even so, his upside hasn’t deterred the Twins or new manager Derek Shelton, who may view Tong as a potential developmental building block. 

The Mets’ returning rotation offers little to be optimistic about, with Kodai Senga coming off another injury-limited season and 33-year-old Sean Manaea missing most of the year due to an oblique strain and elbow issues. 

If New York can acquire the 29-year-old Ryan as he enters his prime, the Mets would finally have a dependable, playoff-caliber arm capable of providing high-leverage innings down the stretch.

Staff Writer