The New York Mets have options - and not just on the mound, but in the trade market too. As the front office continues to evaluate how to reshape the roster, especially with an eye toward 2026 and beyond, one thing is clear: they’re sitting on a stockpile of young arms that could be the key to unlocking some serious value via trade.
Among the more intriguing names reportedly drawing interest is outfielder Lars Nootbaar, but the real story might be the Mets’ depth in pitching prospects - and how willing they are to part with some of it. According to recent reports, right-hander Brandon Sproat stands out as the most likely candidate to be moved.
But he’s far from alone. Two other names - Jonathan Santucci and R.J.
Gordon - are emerging as potential trade chips that could appeal to teams looking for arms that are close to MLB-ready.
Jonathan Santucci: Lefty on the Rise
Let’s start with Santucci. Drafted in the second round back in 2024, the former Duke standout took a little while to get going, debuting in 2025.
But once he hit the mound, he wasted no time climbing the ladder. After a solid, if unspectacular, stint in High-A - where he posted a 3.46 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP - Santucci took a big step forward in Double-A.
In 10 starts at Binghamton, the lefty went 4-0 with a 2.52 ERA. His strikeout rate jumped from 10.0 K/9 in High-A to 11.3 K/9 in Double-A, and perhaps most impressively, he cut his hits allowed per nine innings from 8.2 to just 5.9.
That’s the kind of progression that turns heads in front offices across the league. He’s not just surviving at the next level - he’s thriving.
What makes Santucci especially valuable is his combination of polish and upside. He’s already shown he can adjust quickly to new competition, and with a left-handed profile that’s increasingly coveted, it’s no surprise he’s drawing attention. He may not be knocking on the Citi Field door just yet, but he’s not far off - and that makes him a prime candidate for a team looking to add controllable, near-ready pitching talent.
R.J. Gordon: The Underdog with Upside
Then there’s R.J. Gordon - a 13th-round pick from that same 2024 draft class who’s outperforming expectations in a big way. Like Santucci, Gordon made the jump from High-A Brooklyn to Double-A Binghamton last season, and while his ERA ticked up slightly, the underlying metrics tell a different story.
Gordon showcased excellent command, walking just 2.2 batters per nine innings while striking out 10.5 per nine. That’s a strong combination, especially for a pitcher who wasn’t exactly a top-round pedigree.
At 24 years old, he’s a bit older than some of his peers, and that could affect how teams view his ceiling. But make no mistake - Gordon’s trending in the right direction, and his ability to throw strikes and miss bats gives him real value.
He may not carry the same trade weight as Santucci, but Gordon could be the kind of sweetener that helps push a deal across the finish line. For a team looking for depth and upside in the same package, he’s a name to watch.
A Crowded Room - and a Trade Market to Match
What’s becoming increasingly evident is that the Mets have more arms than they can reasonably keep. Beyond Santucci and Gordon, there are others in the mix - Jack Wenninger, Will Watson, and Zach Thornton among them - all pitching at Double-A or higher, all with varying degrees of appeal.
That kind of depth gives the Mets leverage. Whether they’re targeting big-league help now or looking to add more long-term pieces, they’ve got the kind of inventory that other teams crave. And with the trade market always hungry for pitching - especially young, controllable pitching - New York is in a strong position to make moves.
The question isn’t whether the Mets will deal from their pitching surplus. The question is how bold they’ll be - and which names they’re willing to part with. Because with this much talent on the farm, the opportunity to reshape the big-league roster is very real.