The New York Mets walked through the 2025 season without a true frontline ace anchoring their rotation - a void that became more apparent as the year wore on. While there’s no guarantee that a top-tier starter is available without a blockbuster trade (Tarik Skubal would certainly qualify, but that’s a big swing), there is quality pitching to be had on the trade market. And one name that’s quietly gaining traction is Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo López.
López isn’t necessarily the splashiest name out there, but he’s a proven, durable starter with legitimate No. 2 upside - the kind of arm that can stabilize a rotation and give the Mets exactly what they lacked in 2025: consistency behind the ball.
According to league insiders, the Mets are currently viewed as the most likely landing spot for López, who reportedly has a 50/50 shot of being moved this offseason. He’s under contract for two more seasons at $43 million total - a reasonable figure for a starter with his track record - and is set to hit free agency after the 2027 season.
But here’s where things get interesting: with the current collective bargaining agreement expiring after 2026, teams are already factoring in the possibility of a disrupted 2027 season. That’s making trade talks for players with two years of control a little more complicated - and potentially more urgent.
The Twins appear open for business this winter. Along with López, there’s speculation that outfielder Byron Buxton and fellow starter Joe Ryan could also be on the move. If Minnesota is indeed headed toward a roster shake-up, the Mets could be in position to capitalize - whether that means going after López, Ryan, or both.
Of the two, López might be the more attainable target in terms of trade cost. He’s also a pitcher who brings a lot to the table.
His fastball has long been his bread-and-butter pitch, but in recent years, he’s added a nasty sweeper to his arsenal - a pitch that’s helped him miss more bats and keep hitters off balance. That said, 2025 wasn’t his healthiest season.
Forearm and shoulder issues limited him to just 75 2/3 innings - a sharp drop after three straight years of logging 180+ innings.
Still, when healthy, López has hovered between a solid No. 2 and a strong No. 3 starter for much of the past five seasons. He’ll turn 30 in March, so there’s still plenty of runway left - but any team trading for him will have to weigh the recent injury concerns against his overall body of work.
The Mets aren’t alone in their interest. The Orioles, Giants, Astros, and Padres are also reportedly in the mix, which could drive up the asking price. But the Mets have the prospect capital and financial flexibility to make a deal happen - if they decide López is their guy.
Bottom line: if the Mets are serious about shoring up their rotation heading into 2026, Pablo López is a name to watch. He might not be the ace they’ve been chasing, but he could be the dependable top-end arm that gives their staff the depth and reliability it sorely lacked last season.