The New York Mets could be set to strengthen their rotation in the coming days. Team officials have already boosted their starting pitching by acquiring Freddy Peralta in a blockbuster trade. The now former Brewer led the league with 17 wins in 2025. Nevertheless, additional help could be needed.
Pitching has been a priority for Mets exec David Stearns throughout the current offseason. After all, the Mets registered the third-fewest quality starts among all MLB teams in the most recent season. Kodai Senga was also the only New York starter to reach a 2.o WAR on the campaign. While they have addressed the precarious situation by grabbing Peralta, another move is there to be made.
According to Bleacher Report, the Mets could soon land Kansas City Royals star Kris Bubic. The starter enjoyed a breakout 2025 season by posting a 2.55 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 116 strikeouts in as many innings. Bubic was rewarded for his stellar campaign by being named to the All-Star team.
Kansas City would likely want to keep hold of its star pitcher, but he is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season. Because of this, he has been linked with a trade for much of the winter. The Mets will have competition for Bubic, but, as the outlet points out, they have an MLB-ready slugger in Brett Baty ready to be moved.
Kris Bubic Would Help Give the New York Mets a Solid Rotation
GettyKris Bubic posted a career-best 2.55 ERA in 2025 with the Royals.
Baty’s position at third base with the Mets has come under threat since the club signed Bo Bichette. Although the former Blue Jay has never played the position in his professional career, he is expected to be the starter on opening day. New York could move Baty to left field, yet a trade is the more likely scenario.
While Baty showed promise in 2025, the Mets could use the budding star to get a quality starting pitcher like Bubic. A potential deal between the two teams seems like a good match as well. New York could use more pitching, while Kansas City would like to have more power in its lineup.
The Royals finished the most recent campaign with the fifth-fewest runs and home runs in baseball. Kansas City is on the rise thanks to stars such as Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, and Maikel Garcia. They could, however, use another slugger or two to help round out their lineup.
Although Garcia recently earned a Gold Glove at third base, the Royals could move Baty over to second base. The former Mets number two prospect has previously played the position in the minors and with New York.
New York Unlikely to be Turned Off by Pitcher’s Current Contract
Mets management will likely not be too concerned about acquiring a starting pitcher set to become a free agent after 2026. The recent Peralta deal proves this. While the star is also entering his final season under contract, New York is expected to get Peralta to agree to an extension. A similar deal with Bubic could very well happen as well.
It remains to be seen if the Baty-Bubic trade idea will actually be struck. Nevertheless, it would make sense for both teams. Kansas City gets a solid bat for a pitcher set to leave, and New York turns a roster weakness into a strength.
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