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Latest Mets Free Agency and Trade Updates for the 2025-26 MLB Offseason
November 26th, 6:25 pm
Following the recent game, the Mets lost a key potential starting pitcher. Dylan Stop has reportedly signed a seven-year, $210 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Stop had a somewhat slow season, pitching in 32 games and finishing with an 8-12 record and a 4.55 ERA. Despite this, his strikeout rate remained impressive at 11.5 per nine innings. Now with the Blue Jays, he aims to help lead the team back to the World Series.
For the Mets, there are still many free agents and trade options to consider, although Framber Valdez does not appear to be a target. However, pitchers Michael King, Ranger Suarez, and Japanese star Tatsuya Imai remain available.
November 20th, 5:53 pm
While the Mets are definitely focused on rebuilding their starting rotation, it seems unlikely they will pursue free agent Framber Valdez. According to Mets insider Andy Martino, the team was not interested in Valdez during the GM meetings in Las Vegas.
The Mets’ baseball operations head, David Stearns, prefers to cultivate top-tier pitchers within the organization rather than spending heavily on established starters, though he might be open to exceptions. Valdez, who is 32 and a two-time All-Star with a career 3.36 ERA, is expected to seek a substantial multi-year contract. Notably, Valdez stirred some controversy in September due to an incident suggesting he intentionally got hit by a pitch.
November 10th, 4:26 pm
The Mets are anticipated to aggressively pursue a starting pitcher this offseason, but one current member of their rotation is drawing external interest.
Will Sammon from The Athletic reported that Kodai Senga might be seen as a cost-effective trade option, though it’s unclear if the Mets want to trade him. Senga’s contract has a limited no-trade clause, allowing him to veto trades to only 10 teams.
Senga had an uneven 2025 season, appearing as the team’s ace early on, but losing his rotation spot by September after a hamstring injury and mechanical issues. He still managed a strong performance with 109 strikeouts, a 3.02 ERA, and 113.1 innings over 22 appearances.
There is optimism that Senga can return to his Cy Young caliber form. His contract is also manageable for potential buyers, paying $28 million over the next two years with a club option in 2028. Since joining MLB from Japan in 2023, Senga has posted a 3.00 ERA with 209 strikeouts in 52 starts and was a top contender for Rookie of the Year and among Cy Young candidates.
Fan Take:
This offseason’s moves by the Mets highlight the strategic balancing act between developing talent internally and making bold acquisitions to enhance their pitching staff. Baseball fans should watch closely, as these decisions could reshape the team’s competitiveness and influence broader trends in how teams value starting pitchers in the upcoming years.
