Before eyeing some of the possible New York Mets trade candidates playing in this year’s All-Star Game, it might be worth looking at some of the ones who slipped by David Stearns in the offseason. We understand not every star player is a realistic fit for the Mets roster. There are certain qualities Stearns prefers to add to his roster.
This past offseason, free agency offered the Mets a couple of opportunities to add some players fitting the usual description of the kinds of players Stearns seems to like having around. Three All-Stars in particular stand out as theoretical matches who could’ve been welcomed to this club for the 2025 season and beyond.
1) Matthew Boyd
The 34-year-old lefty has been a great find for the Chicago Cubs. It seems like he has spent most of his career being one of those guys who can’t quite get over the hump, mostly due to injuries in the last few seasons. Already at 19 starts in 2025, it’s the most he has made since the 2019 season.
A first-time All-Star in 2025, Boyd has a 10-3 record, 2.34 ERA, and a wonderful walk rate of 1.9 BB/9 along with a very strong 8.2 K/9. In all fairness to Stearns, the Cubs were really taking a big chance on Boyd being as good as he has been.
Boyd is earning $10 million this season with $17 million for next year with a $500K performance bonus based on innings pitched. He’s going to be a pricier piece for next season. What Mets fan wouldn’t swap Frankie Montas for him already?
The contract also includes a mutual option for 2027 which isn’t all that big of a deal because it has only a $2 million buyout. Financially, it would’ve been a good idea to pursue Boyd even with the track history of getting hurt. He was very good last year in a limited sample of 39.2 innings for the Cleveland Guardians.
Why we aren’t mad about the Mets not signing him
This is an All-Star the Mets passed on and for good reason. For what they got out of Griffin Canning at a fraction of the price and risk, we can’t toss any criticism.