The New York Mets currently hold a narrow lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East, but they face significant challenges with a long list of pitchers on the injured list, including Tylor Megill and Griffin Canning. To bolster their bullpen, the Mets acquired Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles, a southpaw with a 3.96 ERA and 18 holds this season. However, adding a more prominent pitcher like Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins seems unlikely due to high asking prices and a tough market.

Alcantara, who won the NL Cy Young Award in 2022, has struggled this season, posting a 6.66 ERA over 20 starts. The Mets are considering adding another starter but are cautious about the steep costs involved.