The New York Mets are reportedly looking to strengthen their starting rotation, even though first base remains a significant area of need.
According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the Mets are in discussions with the San Diego Padres regarding starting pitchers Michael King and Dylan Cease, with King being their primary focus.
“One scenario the Mets and Padres have discussed involves New York trading a prospect ranked in the top 10-15 of their farm system for King,” Ragazzo reported on Wednesday.
“It’s unclear what else might be included in a potential trade package, but the Mets have been actively trying to move outfielder/designated hitter Starling Marte this offseason and are open to covering part of his salary.”
A trade involving Marte would make sense, given that he no longer fits into the Mets’ outfield plans, and Jesse Winker is expected to take over as the primary DH. Marte is owed just under $21 million in 2025, meaning the Mets would likely have to retain some of his salary in any deal.
King, who transitioned to a starting role last season after primarily pitching in relief with the Yankees, posted a 2.95 ERA over 31 appearances (30 starts) for the Padres, along with an impressive 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings.
His 2025 salary remains undecided as he heads to arbitration, with King filing for $8.8 million and the Padres countering at $7.33 million. The midpoint of those figures is $8.06 million—a manageable figure for the Mets if they can complete a deal.
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