3 trades for a former NY Mets player feeling more viable than a Jacob deGrom reunion

Why not Jacob deGrom? Baseball isn’t that romantic. In the midst of another Cy Young worthy season, deGrom’s name is one of those speculative ones to get moved in the next few weeks from the Texas Rangers to a contender. Naturally, New York Mets fans have dreamed of a scenario where he comes back to Queens for unfinished business.

It’s just not realistic. From every aspect imaginable, it doesn’t make sense. It makes the most sense for the Rangers to dump his salary. It probably makes the least for deGrom to return to New York which he’d have to willingly approve a trade to make happen. Let’s also consider the financial ramifications for the Mets as well as his placement on the roster. Couples going through nasty divorces are more aligned than the planets for this to happen.

Meanwhile, several other former Mets could make a bit more sense.

1) Seth Lugo

Last year’s runner-up in the American League Cy Young race, Seth Lugo has continued to be an excellent starting pitcher for the Kansas City Royals in 2025. He is now 6-5 with a 2.65 ERA in 16 starts. A little too prone to the home run ball this year with 13 surrendered already versus 16 in all of last year, Lugo has managed to be even better at preventing runs. He finished last year with an even 3.00 ERA for the playoff-bound Royals.

Unfortunately for them, a trip back to the playoffs seems unlikely. There was a time early on in the 2025 season when the AL Central looked like it could send multiple teams to the postseason. The Royals, Minnesota Twins, and Cleveland Guardians are all fading fast with the Detroit Tigers running away with the division.

Lugo has a $15 million player option for next season which, given his success as a starter over the last three seasons, feels like a contract he should opt out of. Lugo turns 36 in November and would be wise to capitalize on his success as a starter after years of being one of the best relievers on the Mets roster.

Why it won’t happen

In the past, Lugo expressed dissatisfaction about his usage as a reliever during his New York tenure. It’s a big reason why he wasn’t expected to sign with the Mets after a brief stint with the San Diego Padres. A trade is different. And with him becoming a proven starter, the Mets would have no reason but to keep him in the rotation to continue his dominance.

The question of how badly the Mets even need another starting pitcher versus a bad and some bullpen arms is something to consider as well. There are only so many resources we should expect them to sell this summer. Lugo will be a costly one.