The Padres and Mets are talking about a blockbuster trade that could reshape both rosters this winter.
Dennis Lin, Ken Rosenthal, and Will Sammon of The Athletic report that San Diego’s got five players on the table in discussions with New York: Mason Miller, Nick Pivetta, Ramon Laureano, Adrian Morejon, and Jeremiah Estrada.
What’s interesting here is who’s not involved. Jake Cronenworth isn’t part of these talks, which tells you something about how the Padres are approaching this.
Miller’s the crown jewel in any package. The closer had a dominant 2024 season and would instantly upgrade the Mets’ bullpen. Pivetta brings veteran starting depth, while Laureano adds outfield experience.
But here’s the thing – with ownership uncertainty hanging over San Diego and payroll questions looming, A.J. Preller needs to get this right. He’s looking for cheap, young, controllable talent that fits the organization’s timeline.
What the Padres Want Back
The Mets have exactly what San Diego’s after in their system. Nolan McLean would be the prize, but he’s reportedly untouchable in trade talks. That’s where Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong come in.
Both young starters made their MLB debuts in 2024 and struggled at times, but that’s not uncommon for rookies getting their first taste of the big leagues. What matters is the long-term potential – exactly what the Padres need if they’re dealing away proven talent.
The Athletic’s report also mentions three other names worth watching: starting pitcher Jonathan Pintaro, outfielder Carson Benge, and infielder Jett Williams.
All of these guys represent the same thing – cost-controlled talent with upside. That’s become Preller’s calling card in recent years, and it makes sense given the franchise’s current situation.
Making the Numbers Work
Miller’s going to command the biggest return in any deal. He’s got three years of team control left and coming off a season where he struck out 104 batters in 65 innings with a 2.49 ERA.
Pivetta and Laureano would be solid additions for a Mets team looking to compete, but they’re more complementary pieces than centerpieces.
The way I see it, if McLean really is off-limits, then Sproat and Tong become the focal points for San Diego. Both have the ceiling the Padres need, even if they’re not quite ready to contribute immediately.
What makes this different is the timing. The Padres are facing payroll pressure with ownership questions, while the Mets have shown they’re willing to spend to win now. That creates a natural match for this kind of deal.
These talks could drag on through the winter meetings and beyond, but the framework’s there for something significant. Both teams have what the other needs – proven talent going one way, cost-controlled upside going the other.
