Insider calls Twins reliever the best fit for Mets at trade deadline

The right-hander has a six-pitch arsenal but primarily uses three, led by his 88 mph sweeper (+5 run value, 45.2% whiff rate) and 92 mph changeup (+5 run value, 50.5% whiff rate). His 97 mph fastball was his most effective pitch (+9 run value) last year, but opponents are batting .345 against it in 2025.

Passan noted that acquiring Jax would solve multiple problems for the Mets. Their All-Star closer, Edwin Díaz, can opt out of his contract following the season and is viewed as likely to do so given his strong numbers this year. But Jax, who is a year younger, remains under club control through the 2027 season.

“Having a ready-made replacement in case Díaz leaves — and one whose salary is going to be exceptionally low because he has not racked up saves, the way relievers get paid in arbitration — is simply good management,” Passan said.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns told the media Tuesday that he will be “active” in the bullpen market between now and the July 31 deadline. If deals do not materialize, he said the club will consider using some of the arms they have at Triple-A Syracuse in relief roles.

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As of Wednesday morning, the Mets ranked 12th in MLB with a 3.83 bullpen ERA. Their relief corps has been hit hard by injuries, losing key contributors A.J. Minter, Danny Young, Max Kranick, and Dedniel Núñez for the season.

What remains of their depth has been overworked as a result of injuries within the rotation over the past month. Even though Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea recently returned, the two frontline starters have so far been unable to provide length due to pitch count restrictions — further taxing the bullpen.

The Mets are determined to reshape their bullpen one way or another, but whether that will be addressed externally or internally will become clear in the next week and a half.