A popular New York City sports radio host and avid New York Mets fan wants to see the team reunite with team legend Jacob deGrom this offseason. But is that the right move for this team?

Despite having the largest payroll in baseball (without deferrals) this past season, the Mets were the league’s biggest disappointment as they finished dead last in the NL East with a 74-88 record. Before an expected lockout takes hold on Dec. 1, many teams are expected to be aggressive in the early days of the offseason, including the Mets.

Their biggest need is in the starting staff because, while Gold Glove winner Nolan McLean looks like he can be the anchor of the staff for years to come, there is not much behind him. That is why the Mets are expected to pursue two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal in free agency this month.

However, WFAN afternoon host Evan Roberts believes the team should instead target the man who won that same award twice while playing in Queens: Jacob deGrom.

“If he says to you, ‘You know what. It’s one year. It may be the last year of my career, I’m okay going back. Let me make good on my tenure there. I’m interested. Then I would absolutely pursue a trade to bring him back,” Roberts said this week.

On the surface, bringing the homegrown great back to Flushing feels right. However, let’s weigh the pros and cons of an improbable Mets trade for deGrom.

Why the New York Mets should consider a Jacob deGrom trade

As mentioned before, the Mets don’t have a good starting rotation heading into 2027. After McLean, their staff could include Zach Thornton, Sean Manaea, Jonah Tong, Justin Hagenman, or Kodai Senga. While there is upside in their young pitchers, until they prove they can be impact players consistently, this is a mediocre group after McLean.

The Mets need more proven arms, and even at 38 years old, deGrom is still that. Yes, he had a down season in 2026, and that might be a sign age has finally come for the five-time All-Star. However, a year ago he went 12-7 with a 2.97 ERA for the Texas Rangers. As Roberts suggested in his pitch, deGrom isn’t an ace anymore. But he also wouldn’t need to be in New York. As a No. 2 or 3 pitcher in the rotation, he is better than what they have right now.

Having deGrom return to New York for one last season would excite fans and help thaw the frosty relationship they have with team president David Stearns. And while the pitcher is still owed $57 million over the next two seasons, 2028 is a $20 million club option. So, the contract is really a one-year prove-it deal for $37 million.

Although that may be an overpay for deGrom at this point in his career, it is still far cheaper than possibly giving Skubal 10 years and $400 million. Especially with a salary cap possibly coming to MLB soon.

Why the NY Mets must avoid a Jacob deGrom trade

The Mets legend returning to Queens for a potential retirement tour would be a great feel-good storyline in 2027 after a disastrous last year and a half for the franchise. The organization desperately needs positive press. However, they can still do that without bringing deGrom back.

After the two-time Cy Young left New York four years ago, rumors emerged that he did not like living in the city, and he has done little to quiet that speculation. If he underperforms in a reunion, things could get ugly quickly.

Also, as mentioned above, paying close to $40 million for a greybeard who may be in a steep age-related decline doesn’t feel like a risk the team needs to take. Especially after the additions of veterans Marcus Semien and Jorge Polanco last offseason ended up being very expensive mistakes.

If the Mets are going to spend to improve the starting staff this season, but not get Skubal, going after players like Michal King or Hiromi Itoh makes more sense in the short and long term.

Should the Mets make a trade for deGrom?

If this is deGrom’s final season, doing it in a Mets uniform feels right. Furthermore, the combo of McLean and deGrom could be a lot of fun to watch in 2027. However, a good story doesn’t mean it is the right move for the team. Considering his age, the money he is still owed, and the potential prospect assets a deal could cost, a Mets trade reunion for deGrom isn’t logical this offseason.