The New York Mets have an opportunity to set the tone for the entire trade deadline.
With a few obvious needs, the Mets have the prospect capital and financial might to get the best players available at multiple positions. Realistically, they could use a center fielder, a starting pitcher, and a high-leverage reliever.
The last of those needs might be the most relevant, because the bullpen beyond closer Edwin Díaz is coming apart at the seams. The Mets desperately need a setup man to take the ball out of the hands of Reed Garrett and Ryne Stanek in the game's biggest moments.
Perhaps a two-time All-Star closer might do the trick?
On Monday, Danny Abriano of SNY named Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar as the top projected bullpen target for the Mets ahead of the Jul. 31 deadline.
"If center field is a glaring need, the bullpen is a flashing red siren making an ear-splitting noise," wrote Abriano. "As far as who the targets should be, it's fair to argue that Pirates closer David Bednar should be the top one.
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"After a down season in 2024 and trip to the minors earlier this year, Bednar is back in top form. He has a 2.45 ERA... and 1.09 WHIP with 45 strikeouts in 33.0 innings -- a career-best 12.3 K's per nine."
Bednar picked up his 14th save and his 46th strikeout in a scoreless inning later on Monday evening against the Detroit Tigers. He hasn't allowed an earned run since May 23, and his IP now sits at 1.94.
Because Bednar has been so good, the Mets will have to be prepared to pay a steep price to land him. But that's just the cost of going for a championship these days.
More MLB: Cubs linked to $6 million All-Star closer as trade deadline approaches