A new report opens the door, just a crack, for the New York Mets to again pursue a trade for superstar closer Mason Miller this offseason.

With a lockout looming on Dec. 1, there is a belief around MLB that teams will look to be more aggressive than usual at this week’s general manager meetings to get deals done before payroll guidelines change in the next collective bargaining agreement. You can certainly count the Mets among that group.

Last year, Mets decision-makers reportedly spoke with their counterparts from the San Diego Padres about a variety of trade ideas. The rumors suggested closer Mason Miller was a part of those discussions. Obviously, a deal never happened, and New York’s front office surely regrets it after the 28-year-old had an outstanding 2026 season. Posting a 1.67 ERA, 38 saves, and 129 strikeouts to 26 walks.

Well, a second opportunity to acquire him may be possible this month. In a new report, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale floated the idea that Padres GM AJ Preller might consider moving the All-Star this offseason to improve the roster.

While the idea would seem ludicrous, the MLB insider notes San Diego has little wiggle room to make moves because Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis, and Xander Bogaerts are owed $721 million and “they each have no-trade clauses.” It means if the Padres want to add to the roster or even their farm system (which is among the worst in MLB), they’ll need to move one of the few valuable trade chips they have.

What could a Mason Miller trade cost the New York Mets this time around?

Miller would be a huge addition for the Mets and bring further security to their bullpen after they traded a handful of relievers before last season’s deadline. Furthermore, there have been rumblings off and on in recent years that the two-time All-Star could be a candidate to transition to being a starter.

New York had success doing that with Clay Holmes two years ago. If they feel Miller can also make the move, it would give them an interesting option for their rotation who is still under arbitration control for three more years. But the Padres won’t give him away. So what could a trade cost the Mets?

Nightengale notes that the Padres will be searching for affordable but impactful pitching this offseason because they could lose Michael King, Nick Pivetta, and Adrian Morejon in free agency this offseason. New York could offer young arms with upside like Zach Thornton and Jonah Tong in a potential deal. Furthermore, top-10 Mets pitching prospects Jonathan Santucci (No. 2 overall in their system) and Jack Wenninger (No. 8) might interest San Diego as part of a trade package.

If the Padres are also looking for changes in left field or at DH, Mark Vientos and Brett Baty could be a part of a trade because they offer versatility on the infield and have affordable contracts. Plus, 2026 rookie AJ Ewing could help bolster an offer because of his speed, defense, and potential.