A new MLB rumor points to the New York Mets targeting a 2025 All-Star pitcher under arbitration control for two more years. However, a deal could cost them one of the brightest pitching prospects in their system.
The Mets have multiple goals this offseason. Of course, they would love to re-sign All-Stars Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz. They also need a long-term fix in center field. That could come from within the organization. The bullpen is also a priority, and they already added to it when they signed two-time All-Star Devin Williams.
However, getting a front-line starter to lead their rotation in 2026 is arguably their biggest goal of the winter. It’s why they have been linked to trades for Tarik Skubal and Freddy Peralta in recent weeks. But those two aces are unlikely to be moved before the season. So New York must evaluate the other potential options that may be available.
On Friday, New York Post MLB insider Jon Heyman pointed to another potential option for the Mets in the weeks ahead. “The Mets may try to fill their rotation needs via trade, and they are stocked with outstanding prospects. Joe Ryan is among the starters of interest to the Mets,” Heyman wrote.
NY Mets might have to give up Jonah Tong in a Joe Ryan trade
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Ryan has been a rock-solid starter for the Minnesota Twins over his first five seasons. However, he had a breakout season in 2025 as he posted a career high 13 wins and 3.42 ERA. He also finished sixth in the AL with 194 strikeouts in just 171 innings. It helped him earn All-Star honors for the first time this year.
He would be a great addition to the Mets’ rotation and is under team control for the final two years of his rookie contract. But what would it cost New York to acquire the Twins ace this winter? Well, Heyman shed some light on that as well.
Joe Ryan stats: 13-10 record, 3.42 ERA, 1.035 WHIP, 194 SO, 39 BB< 171.0 IP
“The Twins are believed to like Jonah Tong,” he wrote.
Tong is the fourth-ranked prospect in the Mets system (via MLB.com) and 46th overall in MLB. He was, arguably, the best pitcher in the minors last season. The youngster was so impressive in 2025 that not only did he get promoted to Triple-A late in the season, he actually got called up to the big league roster to try and improve their struggling rotation.
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka … More about Jason Burgos