Mets bullpen trade targets: 1 rental, 1 under contract, 1 salary dump

The Mets may use Steve Cohen's pocket power again to acquire Nick Martinez's contract.

An aspect that differentiates the Mets from many MLB teams is their financial capacity and the willingness of their owner, Steve Cohen, to do what is necessary to achieve the future sustainability of the organization. In that sense, the Mets could contact the Cincinnati Reds to acquire reliever Nick Martinez.

Martinez has a contract for this season worth $14 million with a player option for 2025 of $12 million, something high for a revenue-challenged organization like Cincinnati. Martinez is having a good season on the mound, posting an ERA below 4.00, and his underlying metrics reveal that his performance could be better outside of a hitter's stadium like Great American Ball Park.

Martinez's expected ERA has a difference in favor of more than 0.7, which indicates that the Reds reliever has faced bad luck events this season. Martinez has been very effective in limiting hitters' contact power and command, limiting his walks, and ranking in the top 2% of the league in both categories.

The fact of Martinez's contract, the financial status of the Reds, and the multiple options on the market could create an ideal situation for the Mets where taking on this full contract makes it easier for them to keep the top of their farm system intact. With a trade of this type, the team can achieve what it seeks by sacrificing what Steve Cohen needs, money.