The New York Mets are looking into the markets for the top remaining starting pitchers this winter. Whether it's in free agency or trade, the Mets are keeping tabs on pitchers.
Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez are the best free agents, but for the Mets' purpose, the trade market might be the best option for landing a starter to bolster the rotation.
According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Mets are showing interest in swinging a trade for a starter, and Mark Vientos, Luisangel Acuna, and others might be the centerpieces of such a deal.
Mark Vientos, Luisangel Acuna in Mets trade rumors
"The Mets boast one of the top farm systems," Rosenthal and Sammon write. "They are also open to dealing infielders Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio, and Luisangel Acuna."
With the Mets reportedly looking to explore the starting pitcher trade market over the free agent market, according to Rosenthal and Sammon, the potential for any of these three infielders to be dealt looks decent.
While there's no indication that any specific trade will be made, and with Edward Cabrera likely heading to the Chicago Cubs in a trade, the Mets could turn to a few other strong trade options.
Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, MacKenzie Gore, Kris Bubic, and Brady Singer are five names to keep in mind this offseason as possible trade targets for the Mets, according to The Athletic duo.
After Vientos broke out in 2024, with 3.1 bWAR, 27 home runs, and an OPS of.837, his 2025 season was a major letdown. He had -0.2 bWAR in 121 games (10 more than in 2024), with 17 home runs and an OPS of.702.
More: Mets linked to 6 different starting pitchers in new trade rumor
His regression makes him a clear trade candidate, especially with Brett Baty set to take over at third base full-time in 2026. Acuna hasn't stood out in a major way the last two seasons, and neither has Mauricio.
All three aren't terrible players, but the Mets are looking to build a World Series-contending roster, and their promise might be best spent on acquiring a top starting pitcher in a trade.
Rosenthal and Sammon's report points to the Mets seeking out a trade for a starter this winter as opposed to signing one in free agency, and Acuna, Vientos, or Mauricio could all be included in those trade talks this winter.
The future of the infield trio in New York is uncertain, as the Mets explore trade options for starting pitching help this offseason.
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