The New York Mets are reportedly setting their sights on a major acquisition to resurrect their faltering pitching staff, with Kansas City Royals' All-Star left-hander Cole Ragans emerging as the prime target. A significant trade proposal, initially floated by Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter, suggests the Mets could part with a package of promising young talents to secure the services of the 27-year-old starter.
The Proposed Blockbuster Deal
According to the rumored framework, the Mets would send a quartet of prospects to the Royals. The package includes right-handed pitcher 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 a team-friendly contract through the 2028 season. Ragans signed a three-year extension worth $13.25 million, representing exceptional value for a pitcher with frontline capabilities.
What the Royals Would Receive
For Kansas City, this trade would mean an infusion of young talent across multiple positions, addressing several organizational needs.
Jonah Tong, a 21-year-old right-hander, brings elite strikeout potential, having posted a rate of 15.2 strikeouts per nine innings in Double-A during 2025.
Carson Benge, a 22-year-old outfielder, offers impressive raw power, evidenced by a 105.9 mph exit velocity in Triple-A.
Ronny Mauricio, 24, provides valuable defensive versatility, capable of playing multiple infield and outfield spots, though he hit .226 in his MLB stint.
Ryan Clifford, a 22-year-old first baseman, adds middle-of-the-order upside after hitting 29 home runs with an .826 OPS in the minor leagues last season.
Why the Mets Are Desperate for Ragans
The Mets' motivation stems from a disastrous 2025 season for their rotation, which was plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Veterans like Sean Manaea struggled, while prospects were forced into roles they weren't ready for. The team lacked a true ace, especially in the second half, which ultimately crushed their playoff hopes.
Acquiring Cole Ragans would provide an immediate solution. The left-hander boasts a career 3.66 ERA with 461 strikeouts over 384 innings. His 2024 All-Star campaign was particularly stellar, where he recorded a 3.14 ERA and fanned 223 batters across 32 starts. His performance with the Royals has been strong overall, with a 3.32 ERA and 410 strikeouts.
Although Ragans missed time in 2025 due to a rotator cuff issue, he finished the year strongly. His September performance was a highlight, pitching 13 innings with a 2.77 ERA, 22 strikeouts, and a remarkable 0.77 WHIP, signaling a full return to health and form.
The Potential Impact on Both Clubs
For the New York Mets, the pros are clear: they would gain a cost-controlled ace to slot alongside Kodai Senga, David Peterson, and Sean Manaea, dramatically raising the rotation's ceiling. The cons involve the risk of trading away high-upside prospects like Tong and Benge, who could blossom into stars elsewhere, and the inherent uncertainty surrounding Ragans' recent injury.
For the Kansas City Royals, trading their strikeout leader and rotation anchor would be a painful short-term loss. However, the deal aligns with their reported interest in adding outfield power and young bats. The return of four high-ceiling players could significantly lengthen their competitive window and build crucial depth for the future.
Who Wins This Trade?
In the immediate future, the Mets would likely emerge as the victors if this trade materializes. Ragans would instantly stabilize a crumbling rotation and reignite postseason aspirations for 2026. For the Royals, the payoff is more long-term. The success of the deal would hinge on the development of the acquired prospects, particularly whether Benge or Tong can become core contributors at the major league level.
As analyst Joel Reuter indicated, this move would allow the Mets to leverage their prospect capital to secure a high-impact arm while preserving financial flexibility for years to come. With the offseason winter meetings on the horizon, this speculative scenario could quickly evolve into serious trade discussions, potentially reshaping the fortunes of both franchises.
