Ranking the top 5 trade targets for the Mets to consider to help replace Edwin Diaz

Mets trade target to replace Edwin Diaz #3: Scott Barlow

Kansas City Royals closer Scott Barlow has been one of the more underrated relief pitchers in MLB for a few seasons. Last year, he pitched 74.1 innings in 69 appearances. He allowed 52 hits, 18 earned runs, 22 walks, and he struck out 77 batters. His ERA was 2.18, his FIP was 3.62, his WHIP was 1.00, and his ERA+ was 188. 

His FIP was higher last year because his K/9 was down, but so were his BB/9 and his H9. He went from 11 K/9, 3.4 BB/9, and 7.4 H/9 in 2021 to 9.3 K/9, 2.7 BB/9, and 6.3 H/9 in 2022. He was equally effective in both seasons, considering He had a 188 ERA+ in 74.1 innings in both.

The Royals have some exciting young players coming up, but they aren’t ready to contend yet. Barlow turned 30 over the offseason and he’s a free agent in two years. It seems like a lot of trades are happening around the sport with 1.5 years of control left, which is exactly where Barlow will be at the trade deadline. I’d expect a few teams to be in on him. He could be someone the team should inquire about right now to let the Royals know they're ready to do the deal whenever they are.