It’s no secret that the New York Mets need help in the starting rotation, and ESPN’s Jeff Passan revealed on Monday what situation would make the Mets feel comfortable spending on a top-tier pitcher.
David Stearns has been against the idea of spending big on long-term deals for a starting pitcher, and Passan noted the Mets would “gladly” spend on a top-tier arm if they can get a short-term deal. Of the players available, that could make Michael King could be the ideal target for the Mets.
Not only would he be the best pitcher in the starting rotation, but he is one of the only star pitchers who has a legitimate reason to take a short-term deal. He became a starting pitcher with the San Diego Padres in 2024 and had a stellar season. In 2024, he posted a 2.95 ERA in 31 games.
He finished seventh in the Cy Young Award race in 2024, but last season dealt with injuries. He made just 15 starts and had a 3.44 ERA. With just one and a half seasons as a starter under his belt, he could be looking for a deal that allows him to prove himself and then cash in as a free agent soon.
If King gets a long-term offer this winter, he may not want to risk testing the market again. However, if teams are unwilling to commit long-term after limited experience as a starter, a short-term deal could set him up to hit free agency again very soon. For the Mets, that could be ideal.
A short-term deal with King would give the Mets a front-line starter, keep Stearns within his philosophy and allow Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong to develop into frontline starters by the time King hits the market again.
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