The New York Mets are expected to add to the starting rotation this winter, and it’s one sentiment of this offseason that is shared by front office executives and reporters alike.
After reportedly agreeing to a contract with Devin Williams on Monday night, the Mets still need to add to the pitching staff. While the organization could pursue their options in free agency, the trade market is also available in the event that bidding wars commence.
With the big names like Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez projected to see a bidding war take place, ESPN insiders Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan believe the Mets could pursue Pablo Lopez in a trade with the Minnesota Twins.
“With No. 2 starter potential, Lopez would slot into every big league rotation,” McDaniel and Passan wrote. “He is signed for two more years at a reasonable $43 million. … Lopez’s fastball has long been his standout pitch, with his sweeper emerging as another weapon in the past few seasons. Forearm and shoulder issues limited Lopez to 75 2/3 innings in 2025 after three seasons averaging 180-plus innings per year. Lopez has gone between a No. 2 and No. 3 starter the past five seasons, but he turns 30 in March, so it’s still a bit of a gamble to expect that to continue. Team fits: Mets, Orioles, Giants, Astros, Padres.”
The Mets should without a doubt pursue Lopez this winter. With Minnesota entering a rebuild and looking to trade big leaguers for prospects, David Stearns shouldn’t hesitate to the pull the trigger.
Lopez is under contract through the 2027 season which gives him two years of team control at a rate of $21.75 million per year. He would immediately slot in as the ace of the Mets staff for next season and would lead the way in the rotation.
Lopez turning 30 in March shouldn’t scare away the Mets from pursuing a trade. Multiple pitchers have performed well into their 30s in recent seasons, and Lopez has proven to be a workhorse in three of his last four seasons.
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