Mets Eyeing $7 Million Closer From Division Rival, Reports Say
With the trade deadline approaching, the New York Mets are expected to be active buyers — and, like most contenders, they have their sights set on bolstering the bullpen. Under manager Carlos Mendoza, the Mets have leaned heavily on their relievers this season, but reinforcements could still be on the horizon.
According to Grant Young of Sports Illustrated, the Mets are reportedly targeting Kyle Finnegan, the Washington Nationals’ hard-throwing closer. Despite the Mets’ bullpen being one of the team’s biggest strengths so far, Young notes that the front office is wary about whether the group can sustain its success deep into the season.
“If the bullpen begins to show cracks as the season wears on, the Mets could aggressively pursue trade options to strengthen it for a postseason run,” Young wrote.
Finnegan, who is making $7 million this year and is slated to become a free agent after the season, would be a prime rental option. However, pulling off a deal with a division rival like Washington won’t come easily. Even if the Nationals fall out of contention and look to sell, trading within the division often requires an overpayment — and the Mets would likely have to offer more than other suitors.
That said, relief pitching is always in high demand at the deadline, and a proven late-inning arm like Finnegan will command serious interest. For the Mets, the idea of pairing Finnegan with Edwin Díaz at the back end of the bullpen is tantalizing — it could give them one of the most formidable closer duos in all of baseball.
Even if it takes extra effort and a steeper price, adding Finnegan is a move the Mets should seriously consider to solidify their October ambitions.
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