As the New York Mets look to the trade deadline, they share a need in common with just about every contender.
Pitchers get tired as the year rolls on, so teams need bullpen help to weather the dog days of August. And beyond closer Edwin Díaz, who has been excellent so far in 2025, the Mets' bullpen has been withering away.
Rather than continuing to rely on Reed Garrett, Ryne Stanek, and Huascar Brazoban, the Mets should look to add a premier setup man within the next week.
Enter Griffin Jax of the Minnesota Twins, who might be dealt soon despite having some of the nastiest stuff of any pitcher in the big leagues. The 30-year-old also has 2 1/2 years of remaining control through arbitration.
On Thursday, ESPN's David Schoenfield predicted that the Mets would acquire Jax in a major trade to boost their bullpen.
"The Twins have two high-profile relievers in (Jhoan) Duran and Jax, both of whom are under team control through 2027, so they'll be much more expensive than your usual short-term relievers if the Twins decide to trade one or both," Schoenfield wrote.
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"Duran would be harder to deal -- but bring more in return -- so we'll say Jax will go. Don't be fooled by his 4.09 ERA: He has 68 strikeouts and 12 walks in 44 innings with a 97-mph heater. He's an elite strikeout reliever, the type you want on the mound in October."
Jax's 4.08 ERA is unsightly, as was his blown save against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, including walking Esteury Ruiz to load the bases for Freddie Freeman. But one look at the metrics, and it's clear there's potential for total dominance.
Jax has a FIP of 2.07 and an expected ERA of 3.01. If water finds its level, the Mets could have one of the best setup man in baseball for not only the rest of 2025, but two more full seasons thereafter.
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