The New York Mets may have just bolstered their rotation with the addition of Freddy Peralta, but if a frontline ace like Tarik Skubal becomes available, don’t expect David Stearns to sit on his hands. The Mets president of baseball operations has made it clear he’s not afraid to swing big, and Skubal? He’s the kind of arm you swing big for.
A proposed trade idea floating around would send the Tigers' left-hander to Queens in exchange for a hefty package: Jonah Tong, Brett Baty, Elian Peña, and Dylan Ross. That’s no small haul, and it reflects just how high Skubal’s stock is right now.
Let’s break it down.
Why Skubal Moves the Needle
Even with Peralta in the fold, Skubal would immediately become the ace of this Mets staff. He’s not just good - he’s one of the most dominant lefties in the game.
We’re talking about a pitcher in his prime, with electric stuff and the kind of mound presence that can anchor a playoff rotation. Adding him to a group that already includes Kodai Senga and now Peralta would give the Mets one of the most formidable top threes in the National League.
This isn’t just about depth - it’s about star power at the top. Skubal is the type of pitcher who can toe the rubber in Game 1 of a postseason series and give you a real shot at stealing a win against anyone.
The Cost: A Steep One
Of course, with a pitcher of Skubal’s caliber comes a steep price tag. The headliner here is Jonah Tong, one of the most promising young arms in the Mets' system. He’s the kind of prospect teams hate to part with - a potential future frontline starter who’s already turning heads with his stuff and poise.
Then there’s Brett Baty. Once considered a cornerstone piece for the future, Baty’s role in Queens became murkier after the Mets acquired Bo Bichette to lock down third base. That move makes Baty more expendable, but he’s still a young, controllable bat with upside - exactly the kind of player a rebuilding team like Detroit would covet.
Elian Peña is a bit more of a wildcard, but a valuable one. Already ranked among the Mets’ top-10 prospects, he brings upside and projection, the kind of lottery ticket that could pay off in a big way down the road. Dylan Ross rounds out the package - not a headliner, but a depth arm who’s already seen Triple-A action and could contribute at the big league level.
Is It Worth It?
This is the kind of deal that tests an organization’s conviction. Do you hold onto your top prospects and hope they pan out? Or do you cash in some chips now to land a proven ace and make a serious run?
For the Mets, it all comes down to timing. With Pete Alonso still anchoring the lineup, Bichette now in the infield, and a rotation that’s starting to take shape, adding Skubal could be the move that puts them over the top. It’s a win-now swing - and one that could define the Stearns era in Queens.
Of course, pulling the trigger on a deal like this means parting with real talent. Tong especially would be a tough pill to swallow. But if the Mets believe their window is open - and all signs suggest they do - Skubal might just be worth the gamble.
Bottom line: If Skubal is on the table, the Mets have to at least pick up the phone. Because opportunities to add an ace in his prime don’t come around often - and when they do, you better be ready to deal.