The New York Mets are reportedly looking to add to their rotation — despite a glaring hole at first base.

Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated is reporting the Mets are talking to the San Diego Padres about starting pitchers Michael King and Dylan Cease. He makes note of

“Moving a top 10-15 ranked prospect in their farm system for King is one scenario that the Mets and Padres have discussed,” Ragazzo wrote Wednesday. “It’s unknown what else a potential trade package would include, but the Mets have been trying to trade outfielder/DH Starling Marte this offseason and are willing to pay down a portion of his salary.”

Moving on from Marte makes sense as he has no place in the outfield, and Jesse Winker is expected to be the primary DH. Marte is set to make just under , so any deal would see the Mets retain some salary.

King posted a 2.95 ERA in 31 appearances (30 starts) for the Padres with an impressive 10.4 K/9. This past season was the first for King in San Diego and his first as a starting pitcher. He was used primarily as a reliever during his time with the New York Yankees.

King’s salary for 2025 has yet to be determined as he is going to arbitration. He filed at  while the Padres filed at $7.33 million. The midpoint of those two numbers is $8.06 million — a number the Mets could certainly afford if the deal goes through.