The New York Mets are sure to make roster changes this offseason after missing the playoffs this season.
Despite posting one of the highest payrolls in all of baseball, the Mets ended up missing the postseason following a 4-0 loss to the Miami Marlins in the last game of the regular season. New York’s pitching staff allowed a 4.03 ERA, which ranked in the lower half of the league, and the team could use another high-end starter for next year.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale predicted that the Mets will be one of the most aggressive teams this offseason, following their disappointing finish to the season.
“They embarrassed themselves by having the biggest payroll and failed to make the playoffs,” Nightengale wrote Sunday. “And owner Steve Cohen hates to be embarrassed. They’ll come up with one, if not two front-line starters.”
Nightengale went on to list some of the top players who will likely be on the trade block this season. One front-line starter that may catch the Mets’ eye this offseason is Pittsburgh Pirates hurler Mitch Keller.
“The Pirates won’t even listen to trade proposals for Skenes, so don’t bother calling. You can’t have Paul Skenes, but Mitch Keller, who was in trade talks last summer with the Chicago Cubs, is more than available. He still has three more years left on his deal that pays him $15.9 million in 2026, $18.4 million in 2027 and $20.4 million in 2028. And the Pirates love nothing more than saving money.”
The Mets were one of the teams reportedly interested in trading for Keller at the trade deadline this season, but ultimately, no deal was made. Keller, 29, finished the season with a 4.19 ERA while striking out 150 batters. Only two years removed from being an All-Star, Keller is under team control through the 2028 season for relatively cheap. A trade for Keller would help bolster New York’s starting rotation for next season.
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