Fans of the New York Mets have endured a tough start to the offseason. The club has already lost stars Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz in free agency. On top of this, they have also traded away Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil. The duo had been mainstays in the Mets lineup, as well as popular figures with the fans.
Although New York has brought in Marcus Semien and Jorge Polanco, there is still a need for another significant bat or two. The team, however, has perhaps even bigger issues with their rotation. As a result, the team is expected to bring in at least one quality starting pitcher this winter. Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez could be legitimate targets. Nevertheless, expectations are low that New York will offer these starters long-term contracts.
The Athletic’s Will Sammon has poured cold water on the notion during a recent Q&A. The reporter also hinted that Mets management is hesitant to offer the two starters long deals because they are keeping one eye on superstar Tarik Skubal. “A long deal for Valdez or Suarez? I don’t see that happening,” claimed Sammon.
“A short-term deal for either pitcher? That is totally in play. As reported earlier, next year’s class, which includes Skubal, is part of the Mets’ calculus for how they are approaching this offseason.”
New York Mets Want Tarik Skubal Either via Trade or After 2026 Season
GettyDetroit Tigers star Tarik Skubal is the New York Mets’ white whale.
Skubal is undoubtedly baseball’s top pending free agent following the 2026 season. Because of his demand and lack of team control, the Detroit Tigers are in a predicament. If they cannot get the reigning Cy Young winner to sign an extension, Detroit may look to trade him. If so, the Mets would love to be in the conversation.
New York seemingly has the high-end pitching prospects to help facilitate a Skubal trade if the Tigers go that route. The Mets, however, also appear willing to wait and target the star in free agency next year if he is not traded. In doing so, New York would be open to making an exception to a specific free agent policy.
It was revealed in early December that the Mets want to resist giving veteran free agent starting pitchers long-term contracts. In fact, David Stearns has not signed a veteran pitcher to a long-term deal since becoming the team’s exec in 2023. Sammon’s recent comments on New York’s interest in Valdez and Suarez seem to confirm this stance. Nevertheless, the Mets may believe that acquiring Skubal would be worth the risk.
Other Top Starters Also Available After 2026 Campaign
The 2027 free agent starting pitcher class is also more than just Skubal. Other marquee stars such as Trevor Rogers, Jesus Luzardo, and Kevin Gausman are also set to become free agents. Rogers and Luzardo could particularly become interesting future possibilities for the Mets because of their age. Both starters will be under the age of 30 by this time next year.
In an ideal offseason, Mets fans will hope that their beloved team can sign a starter like Valdez or Suarez in the coming weeks and have enough money leftover to target Skubal in the future. After losing multiple key players in recent weeks, New York has to make some bold moves going forward.
Mets Offseason Plans Affected by Tarik Skubal Chase