Mets face competition if they want to trade for All-Star closer

Welcome to the party, pal.

The New York Mets are emerging as a potential trade partner with the Chicago White Sox for closer Liam Hendriks. And according to MLB.com, they aren’t alone.

The Mets are among the clubs that have talked to the White Sox about a trade for closer Liam Hendriks, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.

Earlier Tuesday, SNY reported “With the Mets still looking for bullpen help and the Chicago White Sox making closer Liam Hendriks available, SNY’s Andy Martino said to keep an eye on that situation as it pertains to the Mets.”

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Mets general manager Billy Eppler has invested heavily in pitching this offseason.

Yes, he lost Jacob deGrom (five years, $185 million from the Texas Rangers), Taijuan Walker (four years, $72 million from the Philadelphia Phillies) and Chris Bassitt (four years, $68 million from the Toronto Blue Jays).

But Eppler replaced them with Justin Verlander (two years, $86.7 million), Jose Quintana (two years, $26 million) and Kodai Senga (five years, $75 million).

In addition, the Mets re-signed closer Edwin Diaz, giving him a five-year, $102 million contract, the richest ever for a reliever. Eppler also signed former New York Yankees reliever David Robertson, handing him a one year, $10 million contract.

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As for Hendriks, the 33-year-old right-hander has been an All-Star in three of the last four seasons. He saved 37 games in 2022, and had a league-best 38 saves the year before, helping him finish eighth in voting for the 2021 American League Cy Young Award.

According to Spotrac, Hendriks is on the books for $18 million next season. His deal also includes a $15 million club option for 2024, and the option automatically vests if he is traded.

MORE MLB:

– Ex-Yankees, Mets infielder stays on West Coast, gets 2-year contract

– Ex-Mets pitcher didn’t need to be sold on signing with Yankees’ AL East rival

– Ex-Yankees pitcher Jameson Taillon explains why he signed with Cubs

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Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com.

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