This Mets-Brewers Trade Involving Josh Hader Could Actually Work

Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen isn't afraid of wheeling and dealing players, which is why nobody should count New York out of the race for Milwaukee Brewers star reliever Josh Hader.

If the Mets were willing to part ways with Edwin Diaz, Dominic Smith and their No. 7 overall prospect in David Peterson, they could land themselves the closer they've been desperately missing.

Diaz stands out as perhaps the most intriguing piece heading back to the Brewers. After logging 57 saves as the AL Reliever of the Year in 2018, he crashed and burned last year, posting a ridiculous 5.59 ERA. But considering his 3.01 xFIP and 2.63 SIERA from 2019, he stands out as a major bounce-back candidate who could blossom in a new environment.

Smith and Peterson would help offset the mystique of Diaz. Smith had a breakout year at the plate, posting an .889 OPS in 197 plate appearances, while Peterson, a southpaw prospect, managed a modest 4.19 ERA in Double-A last year. Both players have decent upside at positions of need for the Brewers.

In exchange, Hader would provide a stabilizing presence in the ninth inning that the Mets thought they were getting when they traded for Diaz last offseason. After all, he locked down 37 saves compared to Diaz's 26, and he did it at a relatively effective 84.1% clip.

It's a deal that would benefit both teams immensely. The Brewers would get depth at multiple positions of need while recouping major league talent in the bullpen, and the Mets would finally be getting the reliable closer that they haven't had since Jeurys Familia in 2016.