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1 best trade target for the NY Mets on the NL East rivals ready to sell

The New York Mets should be busy at the 2025 trade deadline. Going after interdivision trade candidates could help bolster their roster down the stretch.
ByNoah Wright|
Jun 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Michael Soroka (34) pitches the ball during the second inning against The Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Jun 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Michael Soroka (34) pitches the ball during the second inning against The Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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2) Pierce Johnson

The Mets' bullpen has fallen apart over the last month. Since the start of June, they have a 4.70 ERA and 4.36 FIP with a 1.42 WHIP. All three stats rank in the bottom ten in the league. Now with Huascar Brazoban regressing and Jose Butto out, the Mets will need to add some reliever depth, and Atlanta Braves' right-hander Pierce Johnson would make a great fit in the bullpen.

Johnson has tossed 30.2 innings with the Braves, working to a 2.93 ERA, 3.02 FIP, and 1.11 WHIP. He is striking out a healthy amount of batters with a 28.1% and has a quality 6.6% walk rate. He also has a 0.88 HR/9 ratio. The biggest downside is that Johnson hasn't been able to limit quality contact, with a 90.2 MPH exit velocity (30th percentile), and 9% barrel rate (39th percentile).

Johnson's ERA also say he's pitching to his bottom line. xFIP is his worst at 3.44. However, he is in the 96th percentile of xERA at 2.94. His SIERA clocks in at a similar 2.90. His 21.5% K%-BB% is the 28th best among the 154 pitchers this season who have tossed at least 30 innings out of the bullpen.

Johnson isn't solely a one-year rental either. He also comes with an affordable team option for 2026 that is worth $7 million. There is also a $250K buyout if they feel Johnson isn't worth bringing back for another year. With the Mets in serious need of bullpen help, Johnson would be an ideal right-hander to go after.

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