MLB Rumors: 3 Trade Targets For Mets To Pursue In Bullpen

The New York Mets are still working on their best replacement options for closer Edwin Diaz, after his devastating knee injury at the World Baseball Classic. 

We went through a number of in-house and free agent options earlier this week, but there are some closing trade candidates out there as well. Here's a look at three late-inning arms the Mets should be targeting on the trade market:

1. Alexis Diaz, Cincinnati Reds

What better way to replace Edwin Diaz than with his younger brother, Alexis? The 26-year-old was openly weeping watching his brother being wheeled off the field at the WBC the other night. But he showed in his rookie season in 2022 that he's got the stuff to do the job. 

He went 7-3 with a 1.84 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP, 10 saves, and 11.7 strikeouts per nine. He just needs to get the walks under control, which were high, at 4.7 per nine. 

But the Reds won't be doing the Mets any favors. It'll cost a steep prospect price to pry him loose.

2. Daniel Bard, Colorado Rockies

It seems like the 37-year-old has been on the trade block for a couple of years now, as the Rockies are rebuilding, and could afford to deal their closer for a prospect. 

Bard had a career year in 2022, with 34 saves and a 1.79 ERA. He won't repeat that, but he'd be a nice add to the back end of the Mets' bullpen. 

3. David Bednar, Pittsburgh Pirates

The 26-year-old took over as closer last season in Pittsburgh, saving 19 games with a 2.61 ERA and 12 Ks per nine. He was perhaps even better in 2021, with a 2.23 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP. He has four more years of team control, so the Bucs aren't necessarily anxious to deal him (they refused offers at last season's deadline), but if the Mets are desperate enough perhaps they could make an offer the Pirates couldn't refuse. 

 Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports