Mets predicted to outbid Braves for sought-after $38M Cy Young-caliber arm, escalating rivalry

The New York Mets are looking to bounce back in 2026 after watching their season unravel in 2025. The Mets went from being the best team in all of Major League Baseball to completely missing the playoffs. It was not a good look for the organization—it was a disintegration.

“The New York Mets, losers of six straight, are down 6-0 and facing Jacob deGrom. Since starting 45-24 and owning the best record in MLB, the Mets are 31-47, better than only the Rockies, Twins and Nationals. This isn't a collapse. It's a disintegration,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan posted.

The Mets worked hard to address their pitching this offseason after relying on so many arms in 2025. They were able to trade for a big name in Freddy Peralta, who is expected to be their ace in 2026.

“The New York Mets' winterlong pursuit of a front-line starting pitcher ended late Wednesday when they acquired All-Star Freddy Peralta, as well as fellow right-hander Tobias Myers, from the Milwaukee Brewers for Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams, two of their top prospects,” ESPN’s Jorge Castillo wrote.

There is still room for additional moves, and one name to watch is Lucas Giolito, who remains unsigned.

“Instead, an NL East division foe of the Braves could be a realistic landing spot for Giolito. The New York Mets feel like a team that could use a veteran presence in the middle of their rotation. The Mets have a strong offense led by slugger Juan Soto and could be looking for an arm to simply keep them in games. Being in a bigger market, it is also more likely the Mets can afford to overpay for Giolito if needed, especially after the departure of Pete Alonso. Giolito is a high-risk, high-reward free agent and the Mets feel like the squad to roll the dice on him,” FanSided’s Austin Owens wrote.

The Mets are aiming to win the NL East for the first time in several years, but it will not be easy. They will have to outperform both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves over the course of the season.

Adding Giolito would give New York another arm and provide valuable depth to the rotation. The Mets already boast one of the best lineups in baseball, and their success will ultimately depend on their pitching—where depth is always critical.

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