The Mets Trade Rumors and Big Pitching Moves on the Horizon
Steve Cohen and the New York Mets are making headlines as they explore blockbuster trades, strategizing for the upcoming season. From securing Pete Alonso to chasing top pitching talent, here’s the latest buzz on what’s next at Citi Field.
The New York Mets are keeping fans on the edge of their seats this offseason, and it seems no stone is being left unturned. Steve Cohen is back in the spotlight with some game-changing narratives brewing in the Pete Alonso Negotiations. The Mets front office continue to scout alternative first basemen, and look to be chasing an elite pitcher to close out the 2025 offseason.
Steve Cohen’s Bold Play to Retain Pete Alonso
Just days after Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns tried to appease the fan base by hyping up their pool of prospects, Steve Cohen was reportedly back at the negotiating table. With prospects and fans alike clamoring for clarity, Cohen’s pivot back into Alonso’s camp might be the move that shifts the Mets’ offseason narrative.
Reports suggest the Mets owner won’t shy away from going beyond the $301 million luxury tax threshold if it means securing Alonso. After all, Alonso is more than a player; he’s a cornerstone of the franchise and a massive draw at Citi Field. The direction this negotiation takes will greatly influence the Mets’ roster-building strategy for the year ahead.
The Backup Plan: First Base Market Options
The Mets appear to be surveying their options if negotiations with Alonso stall. Two names stand out: Ryan Mountcastle of the Orioles and Spencer Torkelson of the Tigers.
Mountcastle, at 27, offers respectable numbers, boasting a 2.6 WAR last season with an OPS of .733. While not a superstar, his consistency at the plate could make him a solid addition if Alonso departs. Add to that a solid glove at first base, and you can see why Mountcastle is on the Mets’ radar.
Torkelson, on the other hand, is a bit of a gamble. After a rough 2023 season with an OPS of just .669, his numbers suggest he struggled at the major league level. However, he flashed potential during his age-23 season, which might make him an intriguing reclamation project. Enter David Stearns, a general manager known for the belief that nearly any player can be revitalized. If anyone can help Torkelson find his groove, it might just be the Mets brain trust.
Michael King: The Ace That Could Transform the Rotation
Recent reports suggest that Michael King, the former Yankee turned ace, may be available for the right price. One of the premier breakout pitchers of 2024, King dazzled with a 2.95 ERA, 201 strikeouts, and over nine strikeouts per nine innings last season.
The Mets are rumored to be all-in on King—if they can lock him into an extension to serve as a linchpin of their rotation moving forward.
King’s ability to elevate this Mets pitching staff is no exaggeration. Slotting him alongside Kodai Senga and Sean Manea would immediately boost its competitiveness against division powerhouses like the Phillies and Braves.
Additional Movers and Shakers in the Market
King isn’t the only name generating buzz. The Mets are also keeping a close eye on options like Jack Flaherty and Nick Pivetta. Both pitchers come with question marks but could be low-risk, short-term complements to the team’s rotation.
Flaherty, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy. A short-term deal with an opt-out clause could provide both flexibility and upside for the Mets while keeping fans engaged and expectations reasonably high.
Will the Mets Go All-In?
It’s apparent that the Mets have multiple pathways they can take this offseason. Between targeting Alonso’s return, trading for Mountcastle or Torkelson, or striking gold with Michael King, the front office has no shortage of options. The real question is whether they’re ready to shell out the necessary capital—whether in dollars or prospects—to make these visions a reality.
One thing is clear: Steve Cohen’s Mets are not about complacency. With spring training just around the corner, the coming weeks could define how competitive this team stands come Opening Day.
What’s your take on these developments? Should the Mets go all out for Michael King or stick closer to home by securing Alonso and shopping for smaller pieces? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for even more Mets coverage as the hot stove heats up!
