The New York Mets are preparing for an active offseason after a disappointing 2025 campaign, with a potential lockout looming on December 1. The team has been linked to two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, who could command a long-term deal worth $325-400 million or a short-term pact around three years, $150 million with opt-outs. Given the high cost for a non-everyday player, the Mets are considering several alternative pitching options.
Among the candidates is Joe Ryan, whose mutual option was declined by the Minnesota Twins despite his two-time All-Star status and prime age of 30. Free-agent Michael King, formerly of the Yankees and Padres, offers playoff experience and familiarity with New York. The Miami Marlins' Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 Cy Young winner, is entering the final year of his contract at $21 million after posting 13 wins and a 3.87 ERA following Tommy John surgery.
Veteran Sonny Gray, 36, delivered an 18-5 record with a 2.72 ERA for the Boston Red Sox in 2026, making a short-term high-average deal plausible. Casey Mize, 29, showed All-Star form in 2025 (14-6, 3.87 ERA) and a 2.70 ERA in 16 starts this season before a trade to San Diego. Japanese right-hander Hiromi Itoh, 29, posted a 3.44 ERA over 172.2 innings for the Nippon-Ham Fighters and won the Sawamura Award.
If the New York Yankees pursue Skubal and succeed, they might trade three-time All-Star Carlos Rodon, who went 7-3 with a 2.67 ERA in 16 starts and has two years, $55 million remaining on his contract. Finally, a reunion with Clay Holmes, traded to the Chicago Cubs at the deadline, remains possible given his previous success in New York, though he will be 34 next season.
