Mets, Padres Eye Key Trades Before Deadline

With the MLB trade deadline approaching, both the New York Mets and San Diego Padres are pursuing significant roster upgrades to enhance their postseason prospects. The Mets are targeting Arizona Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen to strengthen their pitching rotation, with GM David Stearns reportedly open to trading top prospects. The Padres, half a game out of an NL Wild Card spot, are focused on improving left field and the catcher position, identifying Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy as a prime target due to underperformance from their current catchers. Recent reports, however, indicate that the Braves are unlikely to trade Murphy, who is signed through 2028, especially with rookie Drake Baldwin emerging. Both the Mets and Padres face stiff competition and market challenges as teams hesitate to part with long-term assets and demand for top players is high. The success of these trade efforts could be pivotal for both franchises' postseason hopes.