NY Mets rumors: 3 wins vs. Giants might’ve helped make trade target more available

Beating a fringe contender into submission might've made a desired Mets candidate more available.
Los Angeles Dodgers v San Francisco Giants
Los Angeles Dodgers v San Francisco Giants | Thearon W. Henderson/GettyImages

The New York Mets left with 3 victories against the San Francisco Giants in as many tries. According to Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic as revealed by KNBR, the three Mets wins had an added benefit. They, according to Baggarly’s conversation with Will Sammon who covers the Mets for The Athletic, were hopeful they could leave The Golden City with closer Camilo Doval.

Doval isn’t a commonly mentioned trade candidate because the Giants are still in contention. On the fringes of making a push for a Wild Card spot but on the outside looking in, we got a good taste of what they lack this past weekend. The offense just isn’t clicking enough to make them anyone other teams should worry about.

Doval pitched once in the series, allowing 2 runs in his lone inning. His availability is in question. Controlled through 2027 and as a freshly turned 28-year-old, the Giants would be quitting on the campaign to trade him now.

Mets rumors of their interest in Camilo Doval does tell us a little more about other bullpen pursuits

It can’t hurt to ask the Giants about Doval, right? He was someone teams had interest in this past winter. A bad season in 2024, ending with a 4.88 ERA, had clubs hoping they could buy him low.

This season has gone much better. He left the weekend with a 3.22 ERA and 15 saves. Striking out about a batter per inning with a higher than desired walk rate at 4.8 BB/9, he’s no Edwin Diaz, but that’s not what the Mets would be seeking anyway. This is about finding someone to pitch in front of him.

The idea of finding a closer candidate for next season in case Diaz leaves is something the Mets should be considering already. Diaz isn’t quite at his 2022 dominance. That was a once in a career type of season. Doval has never come close to putting up the kind of numbers Diaz does. However, as a far more affordable player on the roster, his presence would allow the Mets to spend money in other areas of need.

It doesn’t sound like the Giants are quite ready to sell off anyone. Could they change their mind in the next few hours before the trade deadline arrives? Even if they do, Doval is a long shot to get dealt. They aren’t about to punt next season. Perhaps if there is a deal to be done it’s one where the Mets give the Giants a little something that can help them right now. At 54-53 following another loss (this time to the Pittsburgh Pirates) on Monday, they could use it.