MLB Insider Says New York Mets Should Trade for These Closers

With Edwin Diaz likely done for the season after undergoing surgery to repair a full-thickness tear of the patellar tendon in his right knee, the Mets could look to trade for a closer to replace him.

While the Mets may go with an internal option, such as David Robertson, who had 20 saves last season, MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic believes they should look to trade for one of six possible candidates.

1. Daniel Bard, RHP, Colorado Rockies

The 37-year-old closer is coming off a strong campaign, in which he notched 34 saves and a 1.79 ERA. Bard is under contract through 2024 on a two-year, $19 million, which could raise his price tag on the trade market. However, the Rockies are not expected to contend this season and if they're looking to shed salary the Mets would probably be willing to take on Bard's contract.

2. Alexis Diaz, RHP, Cincinnati Reds

The Mets tried trading for Edwin Diaz's younger brother, Alexis, last summer, but his price tag was too high. This would likely still be the case, as he is not arbitration-eligible until 2025. That said, Diaz posted a 1.84 ERA and 10 saves last season and would be an excellent addition to the Mets' bullpen. His big brother would welcome the trade as well.

3. Scott Barlow, RHP, Kansas City Royals

Barlow is heavily reliant on his secondary pitches, an 84 mph slider, which opponents hit .189 against, and a curveball, in which players hit just .138 against. Barlow posted a 2.18 ERA, 77 strikeouts and saved 24 games in 28 chances last season. The Royals brought in Aroldis Chapman this offseason, who could become their closer if Barlow were to be moved. Barlow is under team control for two more years.

4. David Bednar, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

The Mets had interest in Bednar at the trade deadline, but the Pirates' asking price was too high. That said, the 2022 All-Star had a 2.61 ERA, 69 strikeouts and 19 saves last season for Pittsburgh. With the Pirates in rebuild mode, the Mets could possibly land Bednar. But his four years of control are why his price likely won't come down.

5. Alex Lange, RHP, Detroit Tigers

The rebuilding Tigers already traded their two best relievers this offseason in Gregory Soto and Joe Jimenez. Lange, 27, had a 3.41 ERA and 82 strikeouts last season. The righty only has one career save, so if the Mets were to acquire him it'd likely be to use him as a setup man. This would replace Robertson's role, who would then slide into the closer's role.

6. Aroldis Chapman, LHP, Kansas City Royals

Speaking of Chapman, the Royals took a flyer on him on a one-year, $3.75 million deal earlier in the offseason. Chapman is coming off the worst season of his career, in which he posted a 4.46 ERA, nine saves and a 1.431 WHIP in 43 appearances for the Yankees. But the 35-year-old has looked good so far in Spring Training and has extensive closing experience. He has also proven he can pitch in New York.

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