A trade is the only practical way for the New York Mets to improve their rotation. Diving into the free agent market, hoping for someone’s asking price to come down, feels like a fool’s errands. Even if some of the better options out there were to sign for a shorter deal, the sacrifice that comes with the qualifying offer penalties is a turn-off.
The Mets should be viewed as favorites to trade for any of the top starting pitchers available on the block because of how strong their farm system is and the urgency in which they need to add a legitimate ace.