4 relievers the Mets should target in a trade

One of the biggest weaknesses for the New York Mets last season was undoubtedly the bullpen, and for that reason it's one of the biggest needs Steve Cohen and company must address once the lockout ends.

After losing Aaron Loup to the Phillies this offseason, the bullpen is even more dire need of an addition, as Loup was the brightest spot in a disappointing bullpen last year, and they need to replace him. Look for the team to scour the trade market for a reliever, with the team having a logjam of bats, with it being likely that one of Dominic Smith, Jeff McNeill or J.D. Davis gets traded. If they do opt to go the trade route, the following players should be viewed as likely targets.

New York Mets Trade Target Number 1: Michael Fulmer

One of the most interesting names that will likely be available for trade for the Mets to look into once the lockout ends, is Michael Fulmer. Fulmer was once a highly touted starting pitching prospect for the Mets, who was subsequently traded for Yoenis Cespedes, only to go on to win the 2016 Rookie of the Year award, and make the All-Star team the following year.

However, a lot has changed since then, as Fulmer has dealt with a slew of injuries, including: Tommy John surgery, a torn meniscus, a strained oblique, and more. In between injuries Fulmer struggled when he did take the mound, and was not the same pitcher he once was.

That changed in 2021 though, as the Tigers moved Fulmer to the bullpen, a role that he flourished in. Whether it was the change of scenery, or the fact that he was now better in short spurts, Fulmer has rebuilt his value. According to Baseball Reference, Fulmer threw 69.2 innings in 2021, registering a 2.97 ERA with 14 saves, 73 strikeouts, and a 1.28 WHIP.

While it is possible that this season was just a fluke, Fulmer will still only be 29 years old this season and has flashed high-end stuff at points throughout his career. Considering Fulmer's in a contract year on a struggling Detroit Tigers team, coupled with the fact that the Mets need bullpen help and he has immense upside, and a trade for Fulmer makes a lot of sense. Since he only has one year left of club control, he shouldn't be too expensive for the Mets, who could give a prospect or two to the Tigers, who can free up some money, and potentially add a piece for their future.

New York Mets Trade Target Number 3: David Bednar

The least known commodity on this list is David Bednar, from the Pittsburgh Pirates, but that doesn't make him less appealing to the Mets. While he may not be as electric as the other names on this list, Bednar proved that he is a reliable reliever last season in his first full-season in the majors.

According to Baseball-Reference, Bednar pitched to a 2.23 ERA in 60.2 innings, with 72 strikeouts and a .973 WHIP. Bednar will be just 27-years old this season, and would add another reliable option to the Mets' bullpen, if he can replicate the success he found last year.

Fulmer wasn't the only option on this list to have ties to the Mets, as Bednar has some as well, although his aren't direct. Bednar started his career in the Padres' organization, and was actually acquired by the Pirates last offseason, in the three-team trade that brought Joey Lucchesi to Flushing.

With the Pirates figuring to be towards the bottom of the National League standings yet again this year while they continue to rebuild, their is little need for a relief pitcher. Instead they can deal him to a contender like the Mets, while they continue to stockpile young talent while they construct what they view as their long-term roster. If he does become available, the Mets would be smart to gauge what the Pirates would want in exchange for him.

New York Mets Trade Target Number 4: Taylor Rogers

The final reliever the Mets could look into on the trade market is Taylor Rogers, from the Minnesota Twins. Rogers is the oldest of the bunch, entering his age-31 season, but he is a left-hander and has been the most consistent.

With Aaron Loup gone, the Mets are lacking a lefty in their bullpen, so adding a player like Rogers could be a nice move for the Mets. Rogers was named to his first All-Star team last year, and according to Baseball-Reference, in his six years in the league, he has thrown 314.2 innings, while pitching to a 3.15 ERA, with 316 strikeouts and 50 saves.

The Mets need a lefty in their bullpen either way, whether it is via free agency or via trade, so obviously Rogers could be a good fit. Rogers also has experience late in games, both in the eight and ninth innings, so he would also provide the Mets with plenty of versatility for where they can utilize him.

Add in the fact that he has worked with Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner before, as was part of the reason Trevor May came to the Mets, and the fit makes even more sense. Due to him having more sustained success at the big league level, it is possible he could cost more to acquire, but if the price is right, he should absolutely be on the Mets radar.

Whether or not the trade route is the way the Mets address their bullpen or not remains to be seen, but they absolutely need to address their need for relief pitching before the offseason is over. And, if they opt not to trade for a reliever, look for the trade route to shore up the back end of their rotation, while unblocking the logjam of bats.