The Mets and Padres reportedly talking about a trade involving Dominic Smith

The offseason isn’t over yet which means the New York Mets could look to make a trade before Opening Day for some finishing touches. And even if they don’t, what’s to stop them or anyone else from making a deal early in the regular season? There was less time to make them with the MLB lockout. So to see Mets trade rumors appear this close to Opening Day is a bit of a shock.

These Mets trade rumors involve at least three names you’re probably familiar with.

From New York, there’s Dominic Smith. From the San Diego Padres, the two names mentioned are Eric Hosmer and Chris Paddack. There would probably be more pieces involved in any trade between these two clubs. However, that seems to be the possible main course.

What should we make of these Mets trade rumors with the Padres?

Given Jacob deGrom’s recent injury, the addition of Paddack could mean they’re far more concerned than they’re leading on. Pete Alonso’s old rookie rival from 2019 has been shopped around by the pitching-rich Padres this offseason. So has Hosmer.

Hosmer is at a much different point in his career. Signed to a huge contract by the Padres several seasons ago, they’ve been hoping to get rid of it practically ever since.

Without knowing all of the details of what would happen in this move, on the surface, it seems to be an unwise one for New York. One could convince themselves they could trade Hosmer after this year but the Padres have had enough trouble doing so. The team already has Robinson Cano eating up a large chunk of payroll without a starting spot. Adding Hosmer into the mix for a pitcher like Paddack with some question marks feels a bit rotten.

Since competing against Alonso for the 2019 Rookie of the Year, Paddack was 4-5 with a 4.73 ERA in 2020 and 7-7 with a 5.07 ERA in 2021. As much as Smith may not be an exact match for what the Mets need, Paddack doesn’t seem to solve anything either. Add in Hosmer, the Mets are loaded up with two roster spots that are not ideal.

Although he was known to be on the block, there weren’t very many Mets trade rumors that got specific about what the team was hoping to get back for Smith. This kind of deal, a salary dump and a struggling young player with potential, could work in some situations. For the Mets, it just doesn’t feel right.