**Mets Predicted to Trade for $108 Million Ace After Missing on Roki Sasaki**
January 15, 2025 – After missing out on the highly coveted Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki, the New York Mets are reportedly shifting their focus to another star pitcher, with insiders predicting that the team will target a trade for one of the biggest names in Major League Baseball: Cleveland Indians’ ace, Shane Bieber. With the Mets determined to bolster their pitching rotation for a postseason push, the trade for Bieber, who is set to earn $108 million over the next four years, could be the key move to elevate their championship aspirations.
The Mets had initially set their sights on Sasaki, the 23-year-old right-hander who captured global attention with his electric stuff and perfect-game performances in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. Sasaki, considered one of the best young pitchers in the world, had long been rumored to be MLB-bound, and the Mets were among the frontrunners for his services. However, as the bidding war for Sasaki heated up, the Mets found themselves on the losing end, with the Japanese phenom reportedly preferring to play elsewhere.
Now, the Mets are pivoting to a more established arm in Bieber, who has long been regarded as one of the most consistent and dominant starting pitchers in the majors. At 29 years old, Bieber is coming off a solid season for Cleveland, posting a 3.14 ERA with 200 strikeouts over 180 innings. His performance has made him one of the most sought-after pitchers on the trade market, and it’s no secret that the Mets are preparing an aggressive offer to acquire the former Cy Young Award winner.
Bieber’s contract, which has four years remaining worth $108 million, is structured to provide a reasonable annual salary for a pitcher of his caliber. The deal is seen as a rare opportunity for the Mets to acquire a top-tier ace without needing to commit to a blockbuster free-agent signing, which could carry even higher costs. As the Mets look to balance their payroll and maintain long-term flexibility, Bieber’s contract is attractive, especially given the team’s aggressive pursuit of a World Series title.
The acquisition of Bieber would significantly upgrade the Mets’ pitching staff, which already boasts the formidable duo of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. Adding Bieber to the mix would give the Mets a three-headed monster at the top of their rotation, providing a level of depth and talent that could rival any team in the league. With the Mets’ offense continuing to evolve, bolstering the pitching staff is a critical step in their efforts to return to contention after a disappointing early exit in the 2024 playoffs.
Cleveland, however, may not be eager to part with their ace without receiving a significant return. The Mets would likely have to offer one or more of their top prospects, possibly including highly regarded outfielder Alex Ramirez or pitching prospect J.T. Ginn. Cleveland, in rebuilding mode, would be looking to add young, controllable assets in any potential trade, and the Mets’ deep farm system offers plenty of intriguing options.
As the offseason continues, the Mets’ pursuit of Shane Bieber could become one of the most significant storylines heading into the 2025 season. If successful, the trade could provide the final piece of the puzzle for a team that is hungry for postseason success and a potential World Series title. While missing out on Roki Sasaki stung, the Mets’ pivot to Shane Bieber could prove to be just the move they need to stay in the hunt for greatness.
