The New York Mets are entering the 2026 season with strong expectations after making significant roster upgrades. With improvements made not only to their lineup but also to their bullpen and starting rotation, the team looks well-positioned for a potential playoff run. Still, there’s a belief that adding one more high-quality starting pitcher could elevate them even further alongside arms like Freddy Peralta and Nolan McLean.
With that in mind, Jim Bowden of The Athletic has projected that the Mets could make a major move at the 2026 MLB trade deadline. His prediction involves acquiring Nathan Eovaldi from the Texas Rangers. Eovaldi, an All-Star right-hander, is coming off an outstanding season in which he posted a remarkable 1.73 ERA.
If such a deal were to happen, it would give the Mets a formidable trio at the top of their rotation, potentially forming one of the most dangerous pitching staffs in baseball. Combined with additional depth options like Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, and Sean Manaea, New York could boast one of the deepest rotations in the league.
Eovaldi, a veteran with over a decade of MLB experience since debuting in 2011, has played for multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays. He has also proven himself on the biggest stage, playing key roles in World Series victories with both the Rangers in 2023 and the Red Sox in 2018.
While the proposed trade would likely require the Mets to give up significant assets especially since Eovaldi remains under contract through 2027 it could be a game-changing addition. If completed, the move might significantly boost New York’s chances of contending for a World Series title in 2026.
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