Since signing Soto to a historic 15-year, $765 million contract, the Mets have set their sights on creating pitching depth. They have signed four pitchers, including bringing back left-hander Sean Manaea, who could impact the rotation in some form this season, and six relievers, including r e-signing right-hander Ryne Stanek.

This mock trade involving the New York Mets and the San Diego Padres could send Michael King to Queens, keeping him away from New York's NL East rivals, the Atlanta Braves.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that part of the reason things are moving slowly is that there are still lots of ongoing trade talks, with Dylan Cease and Michael King of the Padres “among the starting pitchers who remain in play.