If the Padres decide to slap a qualifying offer on Adrian Morejon, the Mets may have to change course fast.
Morejon would be a strong fit in the bullpen heading into the 2027 season, but that $23.15 million qualifying offer changes the calculus. For the Mets, signing him would come with a steep price: they’d lose their second- and fifth-highest draft picks, along with $1 million in international bonus slot money.
San Diego would also pick up an extra selection. That’s a heavy bill for a reliever, especially for a non-closer, which is why the Mets should have backup plans ready.
One of the cleanest alternatives is Alex Vesia. The left-hander has been one of the Dodgers’ best bullpen arms since arriving in 2021, and at 30, he’s set to reach free agency in position to land a multi-year contract.
New York’s relief corps held up even after the deadline sell-off, but adding another external arm could still make sense. Vesia fits that need, though he’s likely to draw plenty of interest.
Raisel Iglesias is another name that should be on the list. The Mets could try to pry the Braves’ closer away from a division rival after he put together a 2.55 ERA and 34 saves in 2026.
He’ll be 37 in January, but the performance is still there. Because of his age, a two-year deal feels like the kind of commitment New York could manage.
He’d also give the Mets a fallback at closer if Devin Williams stumbles again, or allow them to shift Williams into a setup role.
There’s also a reunion path with Brooks Raley. He was effective for the Mets before being dealt to the Phillies at the deadline this past summer, and the split between the two stops tells the story.
Raley had a 1.96 ERA in 45 appearances with New York, then struggled to a 7.96 ERA in 16 appearances for Philadelphia and was left off the Phillies’ Wild Card roster. Over four seasons with the Mets, he posted a 2.31 ERA, and a one-year return would make plenty of sense.
A.J. Minter rounds out the list as another familiar option.
He logged a 2.35 ERA with the Mets in 2026 before being traded to the Twins, where he followed with a 2.78 ERA in 25 appearances. When healthy, he’s been a reliable high-leverage lefty, but durability remains the question.
He’ll turn 34 next season and has had injury issues in recent years, so if the Mets bring him back, it should be on no more than a one-year deal.
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