This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/mets/onsi as Where Mets can pivot after missing out on Edward Cabrera. It appears clear that the New York Mets need to add at least one frontline pitcher to their starting rotation before the 2026 season begins.

The Mets enter 2026 in a period of transition after saying goodbye to a significant portion of their veteran core. Amid that turnover, excitement is building around a new wave of young talent, with top prospects Nolan McLean,

“The Mets hold some interest in the top remaining free-agent starters, including Valdez, but their focus is on first exploring trades, league sources said. As of early Tuesday, no deal appeared imminent, and people familiar with the discussions cautioned that things are slow,” Rosenthal and Sammon wrote.

One might recall that a few days ago, the Blue Jays signed third baseman Kazuma Okamoto out of Japan. Though there could still be a fit for free agent Bo Bichette if the two sides wanted it bad enough, that might be off the table at this point. The Athletic reports that "a reunion with Bichette appears increasingly unlikely."

As a quiet offseason in New York continues, the pitching-needy Yankees and Mets have both missed out on a top starter. According to Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation, the Cubs are finalizing a deal to acquire right-hander Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins.

Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez might end up choosing a team like the Los Angeles Angels over the New York Mets in free agency.

Mark Vientos is out of minor league options, meaning the Mets will face a key decision on his future sooner rather than later.

But according to a recent report, adding an arm to the rotation is still top of mind for the Mets. Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic reported on Monday that the Mets are still “seriously interested” in adding to their rotation.