Under Pressure: Can Mets and Padres Agree on Trade to Boost Both Teams’ Prospects?

Under Pressure, Mets and Padres Explore Trade Talks to Address Key Needs

The New York Mets and San Diego Padres find themselves in conversations amid pressures to reshape their rosters. The Mets are reeling from the loss of closer Edwin Díaz and first baseman Pete Alonso to free agency, pushing them to seek pitching and positional reinforcements. Meanwhile, the Padres face budget constraints and aim to inject controllable starting pitchers onto their staff.

Sources close to both teams confirm ongoing talks involving Mets’ and Padres’ players, although superstars Francisco Lindor and Fernando Tatis Jr. remain off the table. New York’s recent acquisition of Jorge Polanco signals a step toward replacing Alonso, reducing interest in Padres’ Jake Cronenworth.

Players Under Discussion

San Diego is considering trading right-hander Nick Pivetta, outfielder Ramón Laureano, and relievers Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, and Jeremiah Estrada. Pivetta offers the Mets a short-term starting pitcher, under contract for $19 million next season with opt-out clauses. Laureano could fill the Mets’ need in left field with a manageable $6.5 million salary for one more season. The bullpen pieces would help mitigate the loss of key relievers, including Díaz.

The Padres, in turn, target young Mets talent, especially promising pitchers such as Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat, and Jonah Tong, though McLean is considered nearly untouchable. Other prospects like outfielder Carson Benge and infielder Jett Williams also attract San Diego as they balance payroll and roster depth.

Challenges and Possibilities

No agreement is imminent, as both teams weigh whether to pursue individual trades or package deals. Padres president A.J. Preller is known for exploring multiple options simultaneously, facing pressure to assemble a competitive team under a projected payroll near $201 million. San Diego aims to replace departing free agents and manage injuries, including Yu Darvish’s season-ending surgery.

For the Mets, acquiring a combination of Pivetta, Laureano, and Miller could transform their outlook but would require a sizable return. Preller must consider replacements for players like Laureano, further complicating negotiations. Past trades between Preller and Mets president David Stearns demonstrate both the potential and difficulties of blockbuster deals.

As the offseason progresses, these discussions reflect the strategic balancing acts both teams must perform. The interplay of finances, player control, and team needs keeps the door open for various trade scenarios that could reshape their futures.