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David Stearns making Mets’ rotation a top priority as Tarik Skubal talk swirls
David Stearns says strengthening the starting rotation is a top priority for the New York Mets as they pursue a return to contention after winning 74 games. Owner Steve Cohen is expected to continue backing baseball operations, and the team is preparing for what Stearns describes as a normal offseason despite uncertainty over a possible MLB lockout.
Tarik Skubal, the leading free-agent pitcher, is due to meet Mets officials next week, though Stearns would not discuss the pursuit. The Mets also have Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, Zac Thornton, Sean Manaea and Tylor Megill among their potential starters; Kodai Senga is expected to report to spring training as a starter. Stearns said the club will add pitchers and consider each contract individually, while also looking for bullpen help and possibly another bat.
In short
- The Mets have made rotation improvements their top offseason priority.
- Tarik Skubal is due to meet team officials next week.
- David Stearns says the club will add pitching and weigh deals individually.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Mets’ 74-win season suggests that improving the starting rotation is a sensible priority if the club wants to return to contention. Pursuing a leading pitcher such as Tarik Skubal could strengthen the staff, while Steve Cohen’s backing may give baseball operations room to add talent and assess contracts individually.
The case against
A major investment in one high-profile pitcher may not be the best use of resources when the Mets also need bullpen help and could benefit from another bat. The club already has several potential starters, including Kodai Senga, so a measured approach could preserve flexibility to address multiple needs and manage uncertainty around the coming offseason.
Explained simply
The New York Mets are a Major League Baseball team based in New York. Their president of baseball operations, David Stearns, oversees decisions about the playing squad, while owner Steve Cohen provides financial backing. The Mets won 74 games in the 2025 season, and are looking to build a team that can compete more strongly.
A starting rotation is the group of pitchers who begin games; teams usually need several reliable starters across a long season. Tarik Skubal is a prominent pitcher, while the Mets also have several potential starters, including Kodai Senga, who is expected to return to that role. Clubs can add players through free agency, when players are able to negotiate contracts with teams.
The Mets’ choices matter because pitching depth can affect their ability to compete throughout the season. MLB is Major League Baseball, the US and Canadian professional league; uncertainty about a possible work stoppage has added a question about how the coming offseason may unfold.