Part 7/13:
- Pablo Lopez: Slightly more expensive due to his longer track record, but potentially even more impactful. Coming off a season marred by injuries, Lopez still posted a 2.74 ERA in 14 starts and has a comparable ceiling to Ryan. His mid-20s age and consistent production make him a natural fit for the Mets.
Cost and prospects
Targeting Lopez could require trading fewer or less premium prospects—possibly only one of the Mets’ mid-tier or the recently acquired Ryan Clifford, Jacob Rhymer, or Jet Williams. Conversely, acquiring Lopez might be more cost-effective than the perceived price tag for Ryan, who commands significant interest in the market, including from the Red Sox.