Mets Eye Rays Pitchers Following World Series Win

New York is reportedly monitoring the contract status of Tampa Bay pitchers Drew Rasmussen and Nick Martinez.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Baseball

Mets Eye Rays Pitchers Following World Series Win

Live Poll

Should your local MLB team prioritize trading for existing stars over signing new free agents?

Following a 4-3 Tampa Bay Rays victory in the latest World Series game, reports indicate the New York Mets are eyeing Drew Rasmussen and Nick Martinez for their rotation. The Mets seek to bolster their starting pitching after missing the 2026 postseason.

Why it matters

The New York Mets are looking to rebound after failing to meet expectations during the 2026 season. Adding veteran arms to the rotation remains a top priority for the club as they look to improve performance for next year.

Drew Rasmussen holds a club option for 2027, while Nick Martinez holds a mutual option for the same year. These contract structures make both players potential trade candidates if the Tampa Bay Rays decline to secure them long-term.

The players

Drew Rasmussen

He is a professional baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who currently holds a club option on his contract for the 2027 season.

Nick Martinez

He is a professional baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who maintains a mutual contract option for 2027.

New York Mets

This Major League Baseball team is seeking to improve their starting pitching rotation after missing the 2026 postseason.

Tampa Bay Rays

The professional baseball organization currently competing in the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Milwaukee Brewers

The professional baseball team that currently leads the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays with a 3-1 series advantage.

The details

The Mets are actively scouting roster upgrades and are also expected to be in the conversation to sign free agent Tarik Skubal. Rasmussen and Martinez could become available to the New York organization depending on how the Rays handle their upcoming contract deadlines.

October 27, 2026: The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in the World Series.
October 31, 2026: This date marks a potential Game 7 of the World Series.
2027: This year represents the contract option period for both Drew Rasmussen and Nick Martinez.

Baseball
Oct. 28
Ron Darling Questions Potential $500 Million Pitcher Deal
Baseball
Oct. 20
Frankie Montas Posts Photo Wearing Yankees Hat
Baseball
Oct. 24
Ben Gamel Remains Unsigned Free Agent

Season Trajectory

The New York Mets are looking to recover from a disappointing 2026 campaign by identifying key targets like Drew Rasmussen and Nick Martinez. This pursuit marks the beginning of the offseason restructuring phase for teams that did not participate in the 2026 Major League Baseball postseason.

The outcome of the Rays' contract options on Rasmussen and Martinez will dictate whether the Mets proceed with formal trade offers this winter. The team is also expected to compete for the services of Tarik Skubal to address their rotation deficiencies.

The takeaway

Team management often evaluates contract options during the postseason to determine future roster viability. Fans should watch for official team announcements regarding club and mutual options in the coming weeks.