1 dream target, 1 realistic target, 1 mistake NY Mets could make in Tarik Skubal backup plans

The New York Mets will surely be in on two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal in free agency. But it won't be easy to land Skubal, who could draw the richest contract for a starting pitcher in MLB history.

The Mets must add starting pitching this offseason, whether they sign Skubal or not. So, if they miss out on Skubal, let's take a look at one dream target, one realistic target and one mistake the Mets could make as Plan B.

The Tarik Skubal backup plans for the Mets

The Dream Target

If the Mets can't lure Skubal to Queens, right-handed starter Michael King would be a dream target for their pivot plan. King has an opt-out in his deal this offseason that he could exercise to test the open market. King is coming off a strong season with the San Diego Padres, where he went 12-10 with a 3.21 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 127 ERA+. 4.13 FIP, 159 strikeouts and a 4.3 bWAR in 32 starts and 185 innings. He also came up clutch in the postseason with a 0.64 ERA in three appearances (two starts).

King is a proven arm, who has pitched on the big stage and performed well. He began his career with the Yankees, where he spent his first five seasons in the big leagues. Should the Mets not sign Skubal, King would be a dream move and positive veteran presence to add to a rotation that features a trio of youngsters: Nolan McLean, Christian Scott and Zac Thornton.

The realistic target

Why does it feel like a reunion could be brewing between Clay Holmes and the Mets? Holmes, a former All-Star reliever and closer, signed a three-year, $38 million deal to become a starter with the Mets ahead of the 2025 season. The Mets got the most out of Holmes during his time in Queens, posting a 16-12 record and 3.26 ERA in 42 appearances and 40 starts. Holmes had a 2.39 ERA in nine starts to begin the 2026 season with the Mets, but broke his leg in a May outing after getting hit by a comebacker.

The Mets dealt Holmes to the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline, and he proceeded to produce a 4.25 ERA in his final nine starts. Holmes is known for being a ground ball pitcher, so the Mets should focus on improving their infield defense if they bring him back. It feels like re-signing Holmes is a realistic move for the Mets given his success with the team as a starter. Holmes is expected to opt-out of his deal this offseason.

The mistake

Trading for Tampa Bay Rays ace Drew Rasmussen seems like a good move given recency bias, but it would ultimately be a mistake. Rasmussen has a $20 million club option for 2027 and will be a free agent after next season if it is exercised. The Mets would have to give up multiple prospects to acquire one season of his services, and they just made a similar deal for Freddy Peralta, which didn't work out.

Rasmussen turns 32-years-old next season, has had multiple elbow surgeries and has three good campaigns under his belt across a seven-year career. It would be a mistake for the Mets to give up assets to acquire just one season of Rasmussen via trade. The Mets would be unlikely to re-sign him to a long-term deal following 2027 given his age and injury history.

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