The returns of Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea will help the situation immensely, but another starter could still be needed at the trade deadline. There are a lot of candidates who could make sense as durable innings-eaters for the Mets to slot into the number-three or four spot in their rotation,

In a July 2 article, The Athletic's Jim Bowden (who has worked as a GM for the Reds and the Nationals in the past) listed the New York Mets as top potential destinations for two Pittsburgh Pirates pitchers.

Royals pitcher Kris Bubic, in his first start as a 2025 All-Star, surrendered three runs in 5 2/3 innings. The Pirates chased him from the game in the sixth inning after Ke’Bryan Hayes recorded a two-run single.

Salvador Perez homered twice, Jac Caglianone hit the longest measured homer by a Royals rookie, and Kansas City beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 to complete a three-game sweep.

Kansas City swept a series at home for the first time since a four-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox in early May.