Five Trade Targets Who Could Strengthen the Mets’ Rotation

On November 4, the Mets’ offseason focus was described as upgrading their starting rotation, with trades presented as an alternative to pursuing high-priced free agents Tarik Skubal and Michael King. Five possible targets were identified: Drew Rasmussen, MacKenzie Gore, Logan Gilbert, Nick Lodolo and Nathan Eovaldi.

Rasmussen, 31, had a 2.67 ERA, 174 strikeouts and a 0.91 WHIP over 172 innings for Tampa Bay in 2026. The Rays picked up his $20 million option after the season, but that salary would be the highest paid to a player in the franchise’s history. A deal could cost the Mets at least two highly regarded prospects, potentially challenging their effort to preserve a strong farm system.

Texas could consider moving Gore as it seeks to keep next season’s payroll near $190 million. The left-hander, who is projected to earn $8.7 million in arbitration and has one year of team control left, struck out 174 over 173 innings but posted a 4.58 ERA. Rangers veteran Eovaldi is also a possible trade candidate: he recorded a 4.20 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 145.2 innings last season. His contract includes a full no-trade clause, so he would need to approve a move to New York.

Seattle’s Gilbert, projected to earn $15.4 million in his final team-control season, had a 3.73 ERA and 205 strikeouts in 186 innings. Cincinnati’s Lodolo could be a lower-cost, buy-low possibility after an injury-hit 2026 season in which he posted a 4.97 ERA over 108.2 innings. Whether the Reds would deal him at a low point in value remains uncertain.