Upcoming Braves free agent is a realistic NY Mets target, here’s his biggest problem

Rising Apple's Stephen Parello argues that upcoming Atlanta Braves free-agent starting pitcher Tyler Mahle is a realistic target for the New York Mets, but warns that his extensive injury history presents a major risk. The 31-year-old right-hander posted a 3.99 ERA across 27 starts and 149 innings in 2026 after previously pitching on a one-year, $10 million deal.

Parello cautions that Mahle's 2026 durability was an anomaly compared to recent seasons, pointing to past missed time from Tommy John surgery, shoulder fatigue, and muscle strains. The writer contends that signing Mahle would continue David Stearns' risky trend of relying on injury-prone players unless the club secures reliable rotation depth as a backup plan.