The New York Mets need a left-handed starting pitcher. With David Peterson struggling to cobble together a quality start, the rotation needs a boost. Teams continue to tee off on Peterson, especially the sinker. With a .563 average, the ball stays in the strike zone longer.
According to Baseball Savant, Peterson’s spin rate on the pitch dropped from 2,122 to 2,079 since last season. He sports an ERA of 4.15 and just 13 innings pitched in his three starts. While some do not believe in the decades-old axiom that an MLB team needs a southpaw to round out the starting staff. Tim Boyle of Rising Apple offered options for a future deal.
The Dream That May Never Occur
For the last two seasons, Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal’s name has kept appearing at the top of the team’s wish list. Despite Detroit occupying the basement in the American League Central, the team will not ship its best pitch for a couple of reasons.
First, it would signal a season-long surrender, which would not be praised by the locker room or the fan base. With a 2.55 earned run average, Detroit would ask for multiple top prospects, depleting the farm system. Skubal enters free agency after the season, and Mets general manager David Stearns does not like rentals.
Tarik Skubal got deGrom’d by his lineup today, going 7 innings of 1 run baseball, but taking the 1-0 loss
His ERA down to 0.69 pic.twitter.com/V89kqcTR15
— Baseball Unstitched (@BaseUnstitched) April 1, 2026
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The Most Affordable Option
San Francisco Giants hurler Robbie Ray already defeated the Mets this season, allowing two earned runs over 5.1 innings. Turning 35 on October 1. In that case, the Mets probably won’t need to leverage the minor league system.
All 7 of Robbie Ray Ks from tonight’s game #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/Fvnc17LSbp
— Lucas Parmenter (@Lucasparmenter0) April 3, 2026
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This season marks a change for the former Cy Young winner. Ray stopped throwing the sweeper and sinker. Instead, he relies on the four-seamer, knuckle curve, slider, and changeup.
GettyPotential Mets trade target, lefthanded pitcher Robbie Ray.
The Best Fit?
Boyle believes that Colorado Rockies lefty Kyle Freeland is the best option, stating:
“Freeland should definitely hit the trade block, and whoever lands him will wonder if there’s more to his 4.51 ERA lifetime than the 4.56 FIP that suggests he really is just mediocre. For what it’s worth, he feels exactly like the type of starter David Stearns would acquire.”
Nine years after his debut at Coors Field, Kyle Freeland delivered again.
Behind his 6.1 strong innings and a big night from Willi Castro, the #Rockies beat the Houston Astros 5–1.
Three straight wins. Series clinched.
Read more from @eliwhtney17 ⬇️ https://t.co/zzAhYLP1ti
— Blake Street Banter ⚾🌮 (@blakestbanter) April 8, 2026
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In essence, Freeland can become a younger version of Sean Manaea, a lefty with a good but not tremendous fastball. In fact, his knuckle curve and cutter are his most effective pitches. For example, the knuckle curve that averages 83.3 generates the highest percentage of swing-and-miss at 35.5%. More importantly, the 28-year-old remains under contract for next season at $17 million, which looks like a bargain.
GettyPotential Mets trade target Kyle Freeland pitches against the Houston Astros in an April 7, 2026 game.
Making the Case for a Trade
In the National League, the Mets will face talented left-handed batters for the balance of the season. For example, Philadelphia Phillies star Kyle Schwarber owns a .433 slugging percentage against lefties, which is 95 points lower than his totals against right-handers.
On top of that, Dodgers pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits almost three times fewer home runs (73) against southpaws than righties (210). Throwing inside prevents him from extending and connecting. While these are two examples, the Mets’ path to the World Series may see one or both of these players.
March 14th, 2026 vs. VEN
4th Plate Appearance
Result: Strikeout pic.twitter.com/YZVZYyWKJ3— Every Ohtani At Bat (@EveryOhtaniAB) March 15, 2026
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Long-Term Fixes For Short-Term Investment
If the Mets make a deal, it will likely not be for Skubal, as the price is too high. In contrast, Ray offers the best affordability relative to his prospects, but nearing age 35, the metaphorical wall could be in his future. Freeland provides the best combination of upside and the proverbial tread on time. What should the Mets do to fix their lefty starter issues that helps them continue their strong start?
Mets Urged to Acquire LHP to Offset David Peterson Struggles