Blockbuster Mets-Royals Trade Idea Brings All-Star Pitche...

By Aaliyan Mohammed

Contributing Sports Writer

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The New York Mets' starting rotation needs some new faces after a disappointing season. While the Mets have some promising, young pitchers they could lean on more next year, they need an ace.

Sean Manaea was injured and struggled last season, Frankie Montas ended up being a terrible signing and Kodai Senga was not the same after returning from his hamstring injury. That and more led to the Mets relying on Jonah Tong, Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat at the end of the year.

The Mets need an ace, and Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter proposed this trade that would bring Cole Rganas from the Kansas City Royals to Queens.

...

Mets receive: LHP Cole Ragans
Royals receive: RHP Jonah Tong (Mets' No. 4 prospect), OF Carson Benge (Mets' N0. 2 prospect), IF/OF Ronny Mauricio and 1B Ryan Clifford (Mets' No. 8 prospect)

Three top 30 prospects for one pitcher seems steep. However, Ragans is signed to a three-year, $13.25 million deal. He is set to make just $4.5 million next season and $7.5 million in 2027. After that, he has one more arbitration year before free agency. He was an All-Star in 2024 and would be the best pitcher in the Mets' rotation.

Ragans made just 13 starts last year, and injuries kept him from another great season. However, in 2024, he had a 3.14 ERA in 32 starts. He finished fourth in the Cy Young Award race as well.

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