MLB Trade Rumors: Mets & Padres Talking Trade for Huge Name

The New York Mets have had a nightmarish offseason (which follows a disastrous finish to the regular season). They've lost their premier slugger Pete Alonso and their long-time elite closer Edwin Diaz in free agency.

Yes, they did sign a slugging infielder in Jorge Polanco earlier on Saturday. But they still have a massive hole in the bullpen to fill, despite their earlier signing of Devin Williams. They've also lost Tyler Rogers (to the Blue Jays), Ryan Helsley (Orioles) and Gregory Soto (Pirates) out of their 'pen.

There was an earlier rumor that Fernando Tatis Jr. was being discussed, but that is not the case. The Padres have zero intention of trading him, in news we covered earlier this week. Instead, reports Ken Rosenthal, Dennis Lin and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Mets have San Diego's flamethrower Mason Miller in their crosshairs.

The teams are engaging, according to people briefed on their conversations.
The Mets are under pressure to fortify their roster after losing closer Edwin Díaz and first baseman Pete Alonso to free agency this week. The Padres are trying to save money while replenishing their rotation with controllable starting pitchers.

To that end, Miller would certainly be a huge addition. He went to the Padres at the trade deadline at the end of July in a stunning move from the Athletics. Per Rosenthal et al, the Mets made a strong bid to acquire Miller from the A's at the time, but the Friars beat them to it.

Mets targeting Mason Miller in trade talks with Padres

Miller throws a record-setting 104 mph fastball and pairs it with a devastating slider, making him one of baseball's most dominant relievers.

But with the Pads having lost their closer, Robert Suarez, in free agency to the Atlanta Braves, one would assume they would want to install Miller as their new closer.

In the rotation, however, San Diego has lost Dylan Cease, and right-hander Michael King will be the next to go, both to free agency. Yu Darvish will miss all of 2026 after elbow surgery, and Joe Musgrove is recovering from Tommy John. They are eyeing some of the Mets' young starting pitching in the trade talks.

For now, however, the insiders report that no deal appears close. It's something we will keep an eye on, as the Mets and Padres still have some work to do this offseason.