The Mets’ search for pitching could get interesting if Reid Detmers ever becomes available, and that’s exactly why his name is worth watching. With the free-agent market at the top of the rotation looking thin, the left-hander stands out as a trade target the Mets should at least explore.
Detmers is coming off the strongest season of his career. He posted a 3.36 ERA over 185 innings, and his 211 strikeouts ranked seventh among starting pitchers in 2026.
That total was also a career high. He’s under team control for two more seasons, which makes him more than a short-term fix.
That control matters for a Mets club that still has rotation questions to answer. Detmers would give them another left-handed starter to pair with Zac Thornton, while Sean Manaea currently occupies that role. But with Manaea’s inconsistency and injury history, it’s hard to picture him as anything more than depth or a long man in the bullpen.
The question, of course, is what it would cost. After adding to a depleted farm system at the trade deadline, David Stearns may be reluctant to move more prospects.
The Freddy Peralta deal is a reminder of how that can go. Still, Detmers is not an expiring contract, and he wouldn’t be coming in with ace expectations the way Peralta did.
If the Angels were to deal him, they’d want young, controllable pitching back. That fits their situation, since they don’t spend much and replacing Detmers right away would be difficult.
Jonah Tong would likely draw their attention. The Mets value him, but he’s not a locked-in rotation piece like Thornton.
Tong has had an uneven pro career, though the upside is still there, especially at 23.
Bruin Agbayani could also be part of the package. The son of Benny, Agbayani came to the Mets from the Twins in the A.J.
Minter trade. He’s 19, plays shortstop and second base, and has impressed scouts with his bat and his speed.
There’s a reason he could be available. The Mets’ middle infield prospect group is crowded, with Jefferson Rojas projecting as a second baseman, Elian Peña potentially the future shortstop, and Mitch Voit, Wandy Asigen and Sammy Stafura also in the mix. Agbayani could be the odd man out, even if his value is real.
For the Mets, the appeal goes beyond just adding another starter. Bringing in Detmers would let Stearns avoid signing a second-tier arm and focus on landing an ace. Tarik Skubal is the obvious headline name, but Clay Holmes and Michael King would also fit as proven New York pitchers.
Detmers would slot in as a strong No. 3 starter. Nolan McLean could profile as one of the best No. 2 starters in baseball, with Thornton and Christian Scott behind him. That kind of structure would give the Mets a rotation with real depth and a top end that can match up with anyone.
There’s also a financial angle. If the next CBA brings some version of a salary cap, not having to add another starter could matter. It’s not the main reason to make the move, but it would be a useful bonus if the Mets and other big-market teams are headed toward tighter spending.
Stearns has work to do this winter, and Detmers is one of the more practical names to keep in the mix. He’s a worthwhile option because he helps now, helps later, and could give the Mets the kind of rotation depth that holds up when injuries inevitably hit.
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What makes the possibility more appealing for New York is the structure of Hernandezs situation. He still has minor league options available, and the contract he is expected to command should be modest compared with what a pitcher with similar numbers might usually cost, giving the Mets a potentially low-risk way to address a need without making a major financial commitment. [Read more 🡒]
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Mets Face A Bigger Tarik Skubal Battle Than Expected
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For the Mets, the timing matters because this is exactly the kind of arm that can change the outlook of a rotation. Toronto is trying to rebuild its pitching after a season hit by injuries and a disappointing finish in the AL East, and that urgency figures to make the bidding even more intense. If the Blue Jays are serious, the Mets may have to fight harder than expected to land the premier starter on the board. [Read more 🡒]