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Where the NY Mets should pivot if Adrian Morejon gets a qualifying offer from the Padres

The Adrian Morejon backup plans.
ByPat Ragazzo
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Sep 30, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Adrian Morejon (50) delivers a pitch in th seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Sep 30, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Adrian Morejon (50) delivers a pitch in th seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Left-handed setup man Adrian Morejon would certainly be a stellar addition to the New York Mets' bullpen ahead of the 2027 season. But the reality is that the Padres could extend Morejon the $23.15 million qualifying offer, which would mean the Mets lose their second and fifth-highest draft picks plus $1 million in international bonus slot money. The Padres gain an extra pick.

It would be a surprise if the Mets did this for a non-closer, so we're going to look at some other potential alternative options, where the team can pivot. Here are four relievers the Mets can sign if the Padres give Morejon the qualifying offer and kill his external market this offseason.

The Adrian Morejon alternatives who won't cost the Mets qualifying offer penalties

Alex Vesia LHP

Lefty reliever Alex Vesia should be at the top of the Mets' priority list, and would fit the bullpen nicely. Vesia has been one of the Los Angeles Dodgers' best relief pitchers since joining their roster back in 2021. At 30-years-old, Vesia is hitting the free agent market and will likely command a multi-year deal on the open market. The Mets' bullpen performed well even after trading away key pieces at the deadline, but they could still look to add an external arm to boost the group. That's where Vesia should come in, but he will likely be highly sought after in free agency.

Raisel Iglesias RHP

The Mets could steal closer Raisel Iglesias away from the NL East rival Atlanta Braves this winter. Iglesias has been nails for the Braves, posting a 2.55 ERA and 34 saves during the 2026 season as a lockdown closer. Iglesias will turn 37-years-old in January, but is still ultra effective on the mound. Given his age though, the Mets should be able to land Iglesias for no more than a two-year deal, which is typically the deal length that they give relief pitchers. Signing Iglesias would also give the Mets an insurance option at closer if Devin Williams struggles again, or it would allow them to move Williams to a setup man role in the near term.

Brooks Raley LHP

Old friend Brooks Raley struggled mightily after the Mets traded him to the rival Philadelphia Phillies at the deadline this past summer. Raley posted a 1.96 ERA in 45 appearances with the Mets last season, but had an abysmal 7.96 ERA in 16 appearances with the Phillies. He was ultimately left off the Phillies' Wild Card roster. That being said, Raley had a 2.31 ERA in four seasons with the Mets, and they could always rely on him to get big outs. Why not bring him back on a one-year deal? A reunion with Raley certainly makes sense for the Mets in 2027.

A.J. Minter LHP

Another familiar face, left-hander A.J. Minter, could be another reunion option for the bullpen as well. Minter pitched to a 2.35 ERA with the Mets in 2026, and after getting traded to the Minnesota Twins he had a 2.78 ERA in 25 appearances. When healthy, Minter has been a more than solid high-leverage relief arm. However, he will turn 34 next season and has dealt with injury issues in recent years. The Mets can count on Minter to perform, but they can't count on him to stay on the mound. Minter should be an option to be brought back, but for no more than a one-year deal.

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