The Mets need an ace, there’s no getting around that. But former MLB GM Jim Bowden thinks they should mortgage the farm to land one. His proposed package for Tarik Skubal is the kind of deal that makes fans wince.
Here’s what Bowden suggests the Mets offer: right-handers Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat, plus infielders Jett Williams and Ronny Mauricio. It’s one of the few packages that might actually get Detroit’s attention.
That’s also what it costs when a Cy Young winner becomes available.
Why Skubal Makes Sense
From New York’s perspective, Skubal checks every box. Their rotation was a mess last season — 18th in MLB in ERA — and they’ve got holes to fill this winter. They need that true No. 1 starter who can anchor the staff and lift the entire team’s ceiling.
If they can pull off the trade, they’ve got the payroll flexibility to extend him long-term too.
But let’s talk about what they’re giving up.
Tong is the crown jewel here. The 22-year-old was one of the minors’ best stories this year, posting a 1.43 ERA with 179 strikeouts in 113 2/3 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. Sure, his five-start MLB debut was rough, but that barely moves the needle. He’s got mid-rotation potential with flashes of more.
Sproat brings similar upside as the Mets’ 2023 second-round pick. He’s struck out 244 batters in 237 1/3 minor league innings and already got a taste of the majors in September. Detroit could plug him right into their rotation.
Williams is intriguing despite standing just 5-foot-7. The 2022 first-rounder bounced back strong after injuries wiped out most of 2024. He’s got that versatility Detroit loves — can play multiple positions, works counts, runs well, and there’s sneaky pop in that bat.
Then there’s Mauricio. The tools are obvious — power, arm strength, athleticism. But the chase rate and on-base struggles have kept him from sticking in the majors. Maybe a change of scenery is exactly what he needs.
Worth the Price?
Here’s the thing: aces like Skubal don’t hit the trade market often. When they do, this is what it costs. Two Cy Young seasons back-to-back carries a premium that’s almost impossible to calculate.
Tong, Sproat, Williams and Mauricio is a massive haul. But if the Mets can extend Skubal the way they did with Francisco Lindor, it starts looking different.
The question isn’t whether the prospects have value — they absolutely do. It’s whether Skubal makes them an immediate contender. If the answer’s yes, then you make the deal and don’t look back.
That’s the reality of chasing elite pitching. The price is never comfortable, but neither is watching your rotation fall apart in October.
