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3 way too early NY Mets trade deadline targets with salaries under $6 million

ByNoah Wright|
Apr 4, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Gregory Soto (65) throws a pitch in the fifth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Apr 4, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Gregory Soto (65) throws a pitch in the fifth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images | Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
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2) Garrett Cleavinger

The Tampa Bay Rays are likely always willing to listen to offers for any of their relievers who are in arbitration. After selling off two of their relievers last trade deadline, Kevin Kelly and Jason Adam, they could soon move what has been their best left-handed bullpen arm this summer, Garrett Cleavinger.

Last season, Cleavinger pitched to a 3.75 ERA, 4.00 FIP, and 1.38 WHIP in 60 innings of work for the Rays. The left-hander struck out 26.7% of opponents with a 0.90 HR/9 ratio. While batters only managed to have an 86.7 MPH exit velocity off of Clevainger, he struggled to limit quality contact with a 9.6% barrel rate. Walks were also an issue with an 11.7% BB%. 

Overall, Cleavinger had a solid 2024, but 2025 looks to be a strong campaign for him. So far, he's only allowed three earned runs in 10.1 innings. Only two opponents have reached via free pass against him, and he's struck out 16. Cleavinger is inducing a whiff at an impressive 41.7% of the time, which sits in the 99th percentile of pitchers this year.

While Cleavinger isn't under control for the long haul, he doesn't become a free agent until after the 2027 season. This season was his first year of arbitration, and the Rays avoided it by paying him $1.2 million. In terms of cash, Cleavinger is a good multi-year option who could help support the Mets' bullpen past 2025.

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