The New York Mets failed to make the playoffs last season, which was disappointing.
New York signed Juan Soto to a massive deal, but despite that, the Mets struggled in the second half of the season and failed to make the playoffs.
After the disappointing year, the Mets should once again be aggressive this offseason. MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic proposed a massive five-player deal that would see New York acquire Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers.
Mets acquire:
- LHP Tarik Skubal
Tigers acquire:
- RHP Jonah Tong
- RHP Brandon Sproat
- INF/OF Jett Williams
- INF/DH Ronny Mauricio
The proposed deal would be a blockbuster as New York would trade three of their top-five prospects and a young MLB infielder for Skubal.
New York would acquire Skubal, who would become the team’s ace, which is a true need for the Mets. The Mets don’t have a true No. 1 starter, and Skubal would become that. He’s in the final year of team control, which is why his name has come up in trade rumors. Skubal is a two-time AL Cy Young Award winner who went 13-6 with a 2.21 ERA in 31 games last season.
In return, the Mets would give up a haul headlined by two of their top pitching prospects. Tong is the Mets’ fourth-ranked prospect, and he made his MLB debut last season. Sproat, meanwhile, is the fifth-ranked Mets’ prospect and also could be part of the Tigers’ rotation next season.
Williams, meanwhile, is New York’s third-ranked prospect. Williams is 22 years old and could push to reach the majors next season, and would give Detroit some positional flexibility.
The final player the Mets would trade is Mauricio, who’s 24 and has spent the last two years in the MLB.
Insider Explains Mets-Tigers Proposed Blockbuster
The proposed deal from Bowden would be a blockbuster and does make sense for both teams.
Bowden believes the Mets need to address their rotation, and they have the assets to pull off a Skubal trade, which would be a stunning move.
“The Mets’ rotation really struggled last season, finishing 18th in MLB in starter’s ERA, and has several openings as the offseason begins,” Bowden wrote. “They need an ace and have the resources to sign Skubal long-term if they can trade for him. They certainly can offer an enticing package, led by two of their top pitching prospects in Tong and Sproat.”
Bowden has the package led by Ton and Sproat, while Williams is also a big piece to the deal.
“Williams, the Mets’ 2022 first-round pick, had a big bounce-back season in 2025 after missing much of the 2024 season with injuries. He is a dynamic up-the-middle athlete who would give the Tigers another versatile player who can play anywhere but first base and catcher. Williams is only 5-foot-7 but he has hit for some power in the minors, has above-average speed and can work a walk.”
Mauricio, meanwhile, is a switch-hitter and Bowden believes he could use a change of scenery.
Insider Expects Mets to Spend on Starters
After New York’s disappointing season, the Mets are expected to be active this offseason again.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale believes the Mets are embarrassed by their season and will look to add an impact starter or two.
“(The Mets) embarrassed themselves by having the biggest payroll and failed to make the playoffs. And owner Steve Cohen hates to be embarrassed. They’ll come up with one, if not two front-line starters,” Nightengale wrote.
If New York is going to add a front-line starter, there is none better than Skubal.
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