NY Mets rumors: 3 starting pitchers on the trade block David Stearns should avoid at all costs

There's little doubt that the New York Mets will search high and low for upgrades to the starting rotation this offseason. Of course, the Mets can't be counted out of the Tarik Skubal sweepstakes, but there's a feeling that David Stearns will either turn to the trade market in lieu of free-agent upgrades or in concert with an external signing.

There are several notable starting pitchers on the market, so New York has plenty of options. With that said, there are some options that need to be crossed off the shortlist before negotiations even get underway.

For various reasons, the Mets must avoid these three starters on the trade block

Tampa Bay Rays RHP Drew Rasmussen

Drew Rasmussen has been a popular Mets target, and there are several reasons why. The Rays picked up his $20 million option, making him a somewhat reasonably priced option on a short-term contract. That sounds right up Stearns' alley. He's also a true ace, as his 2.67 ERA over 30 starts and 172 innings proves.

There are several issues with the 31-year-old though. First, is the price tag. Tampa doesn't give away talent for free, and they're one of the most savvy teams when it comes to negotiation. Then, there's the health concerns that come with a player who has dealt with several injuries in the past. The biggest hurdle, though, is that there's a sentiment around the league that clubs will be hesitant to trade prospects for one-year rentals due to the threat of the lockout impacting games being played in 2027.

The worst-case scenario for the Amazin's would be trading a boatload of young talent only for the lockout to wipe out some games and Rasmussen to get hurt during the remaining slate of action. For that reason, this is just too risky a move to consider.

Seattle Mariners RHP George Kirby

The Seattle Mariners have a surplus of starting pitching and a need for offense, particularly in the outfield, with Randy Arozarena, Taylor Ward, and Victor Robles all hitting free agency. Their most available arm is likely George Kirby.

The 28-year-old has two more years of team control remaining, and early in his career looked like a budding No. 2 starter. The last two seasons have seen him take a step back, though. In 2025, Kirby put up a 4.21 ERA. In 2026, that rose to a career-worst 4.33 mark, and more concerningly, his strikeout rate plummeted to 20%, down from 26.1% the year prior. His whiff rate declined, and he allowed a .285 batting average against. These are some serious red flags.

On top of everything, the Mariners are going to be looking for a controllable needle-mover on offense. The Mets don't have anyone who really fits that bill, making a match hard to find. Even if they could convince Seattle to take a gamble on a player like Brett Baty or Mark Vientos, the risk of betting on a hurler on the downswing isn't worth it.

Los Angeles Angels LHP Reid Detmers

In the eyes of many, Reid Detmers is the top trade candidate regardless of position on the block this offseason. Detmers established himself as a true ace in 2026, is just 27 years old, and has two years of arbitration remaining. His rumored price tag was sky-high at the trade deadline, when his ERA was sitting at a bad-luck-influenced 4.03 as of August 3. From August 4 through the end of the season, the southpaw made 10 starts, chucked 60 innings, and posted a 1.95 ERA.

If the price was high before, it's astronomical now. It will be nearly impossible to meet the Angels' demands while still extracting value out of Detmers. There's another hurdle, too. The Angels still don't have a permanent general manager; their ownership transfer is in limbo, and there are questions as to whether they chose to build around Detmers (and star shortstop Zach Neto), or continue to tear things down and collect top prospects.

Waiting around for them to make up their minds, only to find out the price is too high and see all the other viable options fly off the board, would be a huge mistake, especially with the lockout coming on December 1. It's a recipe for shooting for the stars and ending up with nothing, which would be the worst outcome of them all.

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