The Mets pushed for a surprise trade with the NL East rival for the $71 million starter

The New York Mets won the Juan Soto sweepstakes and could be limited in their spending. However, they could still trade players with club control.

With Sean Manaea still unsigned, Just Baseball’s Caleb Moody named the Mets as potential suitors for Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jesús Luzardo. The 27-year-old will not be a free agent until 2027.

“When the Mets turned their 2024 season around in early June, a big reason why was the strength of their rotation, which ranked fifth in ERA, ninth in WHIP and fourth in AVG over the final four months of the season. ” Moddy wrote. “So if New York wants to win an NL pennant again in 2025, finding a way to replace the production that Manaea and Severino have provided at the helm is a good option.”

Manaea revived his career with the Mets last season. Luzardo played just 12 games last season with a lower back injury. However, in 2023, he hit .208 with a 3.58 ERA. Luzardo is expected to receive a five-year, $71 million contract when he enters free agency.

The Mets should be able to afford Luzardo now and even if they want to extend him. However, trades within the division are always tricky. The Marlins realize they won’t be competing for a World Series any time soon. However, the Mets will not want to offer them valuable prospects to prepare them for the future.

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