Mets, Padres Trade Talks Heating Up - But Don’t Expect Lindor or Tatis to Be on the Move
The New York Mets aren’t just retooling - they’re reshaping. After a flurry of offseason moves that signaled a clear intent to shift direction, the front office isn’t done yet.
And now, the Mets are reportedly deep in discussions with the San Diego Padres on what could be one of the winter’s more intriguing trades. But let’s make one thing clear up front: Francisco Lindor and Fernando Tatis Jr. aren’t going anywhere.
According to multiple reports, including from The Athletic, the two superstar shortstops - both carrying $340+ million contracts - are not part of the ongoing trade talks. That’s not exactly shocking.
Moving players of that magnitude, both in terms of talent and payroll, is rarely simple or swift. And while fans from both coasts might’ve had fun dreaming up blockbuster proposals, the reality is this deal is shaping up to be more about roster depth, payroll flexibility, and strategic fits.
So Who Is on the Table?
The names being floated in conversations give us a pretty clear picture of what both sides are after. For the Mets, it’s about plugging holes and building a more balanced roster. For the Padres, it’s about shedding salary and replenishing with controllable talent.
Among the players reportedly discussed: Nick Pivetta, Ramón Laureano, Mason Miller, Adrián Morejón, and Jeremiah Estrada. That’s a mix of rotation help, outfield depth, and bullpen arms - all areas where the Mets could use reinforcements.
Let’s break that down a bit:
- Nick Pivetta brings a veteran presence and some swing-and-miss stuff to the rotation. He’s not an ace, but he’s the kind of mid-rotation arm who can eat innings and stabilize the back end.
- Ramón Laureano is a name that jumps out in left field discussions.
He’s not far removed from being one of the more exciting two-way outfielders in the game, and while injuries and inconsistency have clouded his recent seasons, there’s still upside here - especially on a team that could use some defensive range and athleticism in the corners.
- Mason Miller, Adrián Morejón, and Jeremiah Estrada all represent bullpen options at various stages of development. Miller, in particular, has electric stuff and could be a high-leverage weapon if he stays healthy.
From the Padres’ perspective, their interest in young major leaguers and top prospects from the Mets makes perfect sense. San Diego is clearly looking to trim payroll, and if they can offload some arbitration-eligible players or veterans while bringing in cost-controlled talent, that’s a win for their long-term flexibility.
Familiar Trade Partners
This wouldn’t be the first time Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns and Padres GM A.J. Preller have linked up. The two sides struck a deal back in 2022 that sent Josh Hader to San Diego - a reminder that even with different timelines and goals, these two front offices can find common ground.
That history matters. It suggests a level of trust and communication that could help get something over the finish line, even if the framework is complex. And while neither team is in full rebuild mode, both are clearly looking to recalibrate.
Stars Staying Put - For Now
While Lindor and Tatis remain firmly off the table, it’s worth noting that plans can always change in this league. All it takes is one aggressive offer to shift the calculus. But as it stands, the focus is on complementary pieces - not franchise cornerstones.
And that’s probably the right call. Both the Mets and Padres are trying to compete while managing their payrolls and reshaping their rosters. Trading away a face-of-the-franchise type player isn’t something you do lightly - or mid-December, unless the return is overwhelming.
So while the trade buzz continues to build between New York and San Diego, don’t expect fireworks involving the biggest names just yet. But keep an eye on the rest of the roster - because the pieces in play could still make a meaningful impact when Opening Day rolls around.