MLB trade rumors: New York Mets potentially eyeing $13.25 million Kansas City Royals’ Ace to bolster rotation ahead of deadline

The New York Mets are back in the trade-rumor spotlight, and this time the focus is firmly on Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans. A proposed blockbuster deal, first discussed by Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, suggests the Mets could send a significant haul of prospects to Kansas City in exchange for the 27-year-old All-Star.

As Reuter noted, this deal would address New York’s urgent need for a dependable top-of-the-rotation arm after the club’s 2025 pitching implosion.

The Proposed Trade Package

The potential move would send a talented group of New York Mets prospects to the Kansas City Royals, including right-hander Jonah Tong, outfielder Carson Benge, versatile infielder/outfielder Ronny Mauricio, and first baseman Ryan Clifford. In return, New York would acquire Cole Ragans, who is under contract through 2028 on a three-year, $13.25 million extension, a value deal for a starter with frontline potential.

Trade Breakdown

This package reflects the New York Mets’ willingness to use prospect depth to fix a rotation that struggled all season. For Kansas City Royals, it offers an infusion of young talent at multiple positions.

Prospect Snapshot: Who the Royals Would Get

Each prospect fills a specific Royals need: strikeout pitching (Tong), outfield power (Benge), defensive versatility (Mauricio), and middle-of-the-order upside (Clifford).

Why the New York Mets Are Pushing for Cole Ragans

New York Mets’ 2025 rotation struggled to stay healthy and competitive.

Veterans like Sean Manaea logged inconsistent innings, while prospects such as Nolan McLean were thrust into bigger roles than expected. The Mets lacked the stabilizing presence of a true ace throughout the second half of the year, which derailed their postseason hopes.Acquiring Cole Ragans would change that dynamic overnight. The left-hander owns a career 3.66 ERA with 461 strikeouts across 384 innings, including an impressive 2024 All-Star campaign in which he posted a 3.14 ERA with 223 strikeouts in 32 starts.

His time with Kansas City has been equally strong, recording a 3.32 ERA along with 410 strikeouts.Despite missing time in 2025 due to a rotator cuff issue, Ragans closed the year well, signaling a return to form.

Cole Ragans’ 2025 Monthly Breakdown

Cole Ragans’ Career Snapshot

A healthy Ragans gives the Mets a strikeout-heavy left-handed weapon to slot alongside Kodai Senga, David Peterson, and Manaea, instantly improving the staff’s ceiling.

Why the Kansas City Royals Might Entertain the Deal

Kansas City Royals have signaled interest in adding outfield power and young bats.

This trade idea fits that plan, offering immediate help and long-term potential. Losing Ragans would hurt, but the Royals are looking for ways to extend their competitive window while building offensive depth.

What the Royals Gain

• Outfield pop: Benge brings elite bat speed and Triple-A production. • Corner power: Clifford’s 29 homers hint at top-tier slugging upside. • Versatility: Mauricio can plug multiple infield and outfield roles. • Young pitching: Tong, with his 15.2 SO/9, gives the Royals a high-upside arm to develop.

Pros and Cons for Both Teams

New York Mets: Pros

• Acquire a cost-controlled frontline starter. • Add left-handed balance to the rotation. • Gain an ace capable of handling NL East lineups.

New York Mets: Cons

• Risk losing major prospect talent if Tong or Benge break out elsewhere. • Ragans’ recent injury history poses uncertainty.

Kansas City Royals: Pros

• Add four high-upside players to strengthen offense and future depth. • Address outfield needs with Benge and Clifford. • Boost pitching development with Tong.

Kansas City Royals: Cons

• Lose their strikeout leader and rotation anchor. • No guarantee the prospects fully pan out.

Who Wins the Deal?

If the proposal ever becomes reality, the Mets likely come out ahead in the short term because Ragans immediately stabilizes a rotation that desperately needs an ace-caliber arm. For the Royals, the return could pay off later, especially if Benge or Tong becomes a major contributor.

Either way, this is the type of move that can reshape both franchises.As Joel Reuter framed the possibility, this trade represents the Mets “leaning on their prospect depth to acquire a high-impact arm while maintaining long-term financial flexibility.”Also read: MLB trade rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers eye $100 million New York Mets superstar as their ideal bullpen fixWith winter meetings approaching, this scenario could shift from speculation to something far more serious. If Ragans stays healthy, the Mets could be looking at a rotation transformation that reignites their postseason aspirations.