Are any more trades forthcoming this winter for the New York Mets? If so, a National League rival may hold the key.
The San Diego Padres appear to be open for business, as starting pitchers Michael King and Dylan Cease both are set to hit free agency next winter and the Padres don’t appear likely to be able to afford either of them.
While King and Cease might be the splashy acquisitions, the Mets might have another trade to make with the Padres if both sides can figure out the fit from a contract perspective.
Starling Marte has become an extra piece for the Mets, and with his expensive contract and diminishing athleticism, he could be difficult to move. But the Padres are so short on outfield/designated hitter types at this point that they might want Marte.
On Thursday, FanSided’s Tim Boyle proposed a hypothetical trade that would send Marte to San Diego, possibly involving a third team to make the finances work.
“Finding a way to make a trade work is the tricky part. The Mets would need to eat as much of Marte’s salary as possible, if not all, in order for San Diego to have any kind of interest,” Boyle wrote.
“This might have the makings of a three-team deal or perhaps Marte paired with a prospect or two has enough intrigue for the Padres to cut a deal. San Diego isn’t about to punt their 2025 campaign despite the lack of additions.”
Entering the final season of his four-year, $78 million extension, Marte is a pure rental. If the Mets were to pay down half or more of his $20.75 million salary and take on some undesirable salary from the Padres in return, it’s possible they could nab a decent prospect.
Ultimately, the Mets may just have to bite the bullet with Marte for one more year. Their roster will be a lot more flexible once he’s gone. But you never know when a needy team like San Diego might be willing to make a creative move.
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