3 trade targets for the Mets if the Padres decide to blow it up first

While highly unlikely, the Mets should at least make an offer for this Padres star

When Josh Hader was traded two seasons ago, the Mets were listed as one of the teams heavily linked to the closer before he was traded to the San Diego Padres. Now, they might have another chance to get him back.

After struggling his first year in San Diego, Hader has seemingly returned to form in 2023. He has a blistering 1.26 ERA through 30 appearances, locking down 18 saves and reestablishing himself as one of the most dominant closers across the league.

If the Padres do decide to sell, Hader would once again become highly sought after by just about every team. San Diego would potentially trade Hader for the same reason they would Snell: both of these players are unrestricted free agents after this season.

For the Mets, trading for Hader at the right price would be a no brainer. The bullpen has been a struggle all year, with multiple options being used to no avail. This trade would almost certainly kick David Robertson out of the closer role, which might anger some fans given how elite he has been in that role. However, that extra depth would allow Buck Showalter a lot more flexibility with his bullpen, which has been lacking all season.

Hader would all but certainly leave in the offseason, but if the Mets are serious about a playoff push, they shouldn't hesitate to make an offer. Plus, in the event that Hader somehow re-signs with the Mets, the possibility of both him and Edwin Diaz in the same bullpen is enough to bring a tear to a fans eye.