The New York Mets are going to be active in the 2025 trade market. Here are three realistic targets and the potential prospects they may move to secure deadline help.
As the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline looms, the New York Mets find themselves walking a tightrope: still within striking distance of a Wild Card spot, but inconsistent enough to need help. Despite a top-heavy payroll and lingering bullpen issues, the Mets have shown recent signs of life.
They could justify buying, particularly if pitching and lineup depth remain question marks into late July. Team president David Stearns has signaled cautious optimism, and if the front office decides to strike, here are three realistic trade candidates who could upgrade New York’s roster for the stretch run.
Trade Target Breakdowns
Kyle Finnegan – RHP, Nationals
Finnegan is a hard-throwing, late-inning reliever who’s been reliable for the Nationals and could slot into the Mets’ setup or closer role. He’s only under team control through 2025, and Washington is still rebuilding, which makes him a logical trade chip.
BIB on the Go: How Nationals Closer Kyle Finnegan Has Become Even Better In 2025
Listen here ➡️ https://t.co/XAycV9Da0X pic.twitter.com/RB7ZCSO1kR— Baseball Isn’t Boring (@BBisntBoring) June 24, 2025
Brent Rooker – OF, Athletics
Rooker hit 30 home runs last season and continues to be a bright spot in an otherwise bleak A’s lineup. The Mets could use his pop, especially as a righty platoon option with power potential. He’s also under team control beyond 2025, giving New York flexibility if they view him as more than a rental.
407 feet off the bat of Brent Rooker! #AllStarGame pic.twitter.com/Jg6ZOXLvFS
— MLB (@MLB) July 16, 2025
Felix Bautista – RHP, Orioles
The Mets, always intrigued by premium bullpen arms, could view this as a long-term bet and swing a deal for 2026 and beyond. It’s a bold strategy, but one that aligns with David Stearns’ history of creative roster moves.
Felix Bautista is BACK 🔥
Since June 1st:
13 IP
0.69 ERA
2.01 FIP
7 SV
44.7% K%
.071 BAA (!)He’s averaging 97.5 MPH on his fastball. This 2 MPH decrease compared to 2023 results in a 12% difference in Whiff%.
Still one of the best relievers in the game.#BirdLand pic.twitter.com/zLfmFY3KWP
— LouisAnalysis (@LouisAnalysis) July 7, 2025
Prospects the Mets May Trade
The Mets likely won’t touch top names like Luisangel Acuña or Drew Gilbert, but they do have pieces they could move:
-
Blade Tidwell (RHP, Double-A): Power arm with upside but inconsistent command. Fits teams rebuilding pitching depth.
-
Jett Williams (IF, Double-A): Highly athletic and versatile, but could be expendable if Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio remain long-term pieces.
-
Nick Morabito (OF, High-A): High-contact bat with speed who could headline a mid-tier return package.
Blade Tidwell was asked if he got anything special for his first MLB win:
“Little shower…” 😂 pic.twitter.com/01G9ru6aeZ
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 3, 2025
The Mets don’t need a full-scale roster overhaul, but they need support in the bullpen, rotation, and right-handed power department. Scott, Rooker, and Olson each provide controllable, complementary value to bolster a playoff push without gutting the farm. If New York makes a move, don’t be surprised if one of these three lands in Queens by the deadline.
Possible Mets Deadline Deals
| Mets Receive | Nationals Receive | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Kyle Finnegan (RHP) | Nick Morabito (OF, High-A) Dominic Hamel (RHP, Double-A) |
Mets add late-inning stability; Nationals gain two prospects with upside for the next competitive window. |
| Mets Receive | Athletics Receive | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Brent Rooker (OF/DH) | Blade Tidwell (RHP, Double-A) Eric Orze (RHP, Triple-A) |
Mets add right-handed pop; A’s gain two near-MLB-ready arms with strikeout upside. |
| Mets Receive | Tigers Receive | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Felix Bautista (RHP) | Jett Williams (IF, Double-A) Mike Vasil (RHP, Triple-A) |
Mets get bullpen ace; Orioles gain top-100 infielder and rotation-ready arm. |
