The San Diego Padres and the New York Mets have been linked to one another in some big trade rumors so far this offseason.
According to a report from Dennis Lin, Ken Rosenthal, and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Padres are in trade talks with the Mets over five players, including Mason Miller, Nick Pivetta, and Ramon Laureano.
With so many great names potentially on the move to the Mets, who can A.J. Preller get in return for making such a trade? There are a few clear names to keep in mind as these trade discussions progress this winter.
Padres trade targets from Mets amid latest rumors
Aside from Miller, Laureno, and Pivetta, Adrian Morejon and Jeremiah Estrada are involved in trade conversations. Jake Cronenworth isn't involved, however, making the five-player pool the Mets are interested in clear.
While these are some of the best players on the Padres roster, especially Miller and Pivetta, Preller should be able to land a solid return of prospects and players from the Mets.
With the goal of landing cheap, young, and controllable talent, the Padres have a few clear options from the Mets roster and prospect list to go after.
The most obvious candidates for the Padres to go after are young starters Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat, and Jonah Tong. While McLean is reportedly "untouchable," the other two are much more likely options for Preller to go after.
They both made their MLB debuts in 2025, and while they had their fair share of struggles, both would be great long-term options for the Padres in the starting rotation.
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Three other names to keep in mind that the trio of The Athletic writers identified are starting pitcher Jonathan Pintaro, outfielder Carson Benge, and infielder Jett Williams.
Landing some of the Mets' top players might cost a bit, but they would be long-term solutions on cheap contracts. With the future of the Padres' payroll in question due to a looming sale, adding cheap young talent is paramount.
Miller will draw the most return, while Pivetta and Laureano would be quality additions for the Mets and could bring home a solid player.
But, with McLean potentially untouchable, the Padres and Preller are likely to go after Tong and Sproat as their best options in a blockbuster with the Mets.
These trade talks will be a fascinating one to keep track of, as the Mets and Padres could be perfect trade partners for one another this offseason.
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