The New York Mets are sure to be active ahead of this month's MLB trade deadline. They will be targeting upgrades at several positions over the next couple of weeks, including the bullpen. Because you can never have enough impact arms out of the pen come playoff time.
With the Mets having the potential to reach the World Series in October, we take a look at six game-changer relievers they should pursue to bolster their bullpen for the second half and postseason.
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Despite 16 years of wear and tear on his left arm, Aroldis Chapman has been outstanding this season at 37 years old. His 1.18 ERA and 0.763 WHIP are some of the best numbers he's had his entire career. New York badly needs more left-handed arms out of the pen. So the eight-time All-Star — including in 2025 — should be at the top of their wishlist. However, with the Red Sox back in the playoff chase, Chapman may now be off the trade block.
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The Guardians are only 4.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot in the AL. However, this team is unlikely to seriously contend for a playoff spot in 2025. That is why there has been a lot of speculation closer Emmanuel Clase could be on the trade block. The three-time closer is one of the best in the game and is having another strong season. If the Mets feel they can win it all this year, they should be bold and go after the elite closer this month.
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The Twins are also in striking distance of a Wild Card spot. But even if they did make it, they aren't going far. The organization is always thinking long-term and moving closer Jhoan Duran when his value is at a peak, is something they may consider. He is still under team control for two more seasons and is worth giving up a high-end prospect to bolster the bullpen for the stretch run.
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Duran's teammate, Griffin Jax, could also be up for grabs this month and would cost a lot less. New York will have a lot of competition for the top relievers available before the MLB trade deadline. Jax could certainly help their pen and would be a more realistic option on the market. He has posted a rock-solid strikeout-to-walk ratio of 66-10 over 41 innings this season.
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The Orioles have been the biggest disappointment in baseball this year and are sure to be sellers this month. And that means closer Felix Bautista could be available. After missing a season following Tommy John surgery, he has played well in 2025. He has not matched his All-Star numbers from last year. But he is under team control for two more seasons and could give the Mets an elite setup man for All-Star closer Edwin Diaz.
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With four-time All-Star Kenley Jansen set to his free agency this offseason, the Angels are sure to be listening to offers on the 16-year veteran. While he isn't putting up the absurd numbers that fellow 37-year-old Aroldis Chapman is, he has had another good season. He would be a strong setup man option for the New York Mets in the second half.
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