Report: Mets might opt to deal Syndergaard for established MLB pieces

The New York Mets want Noah Syndergaard to help them win in 2019, whether he's on their roster or not.

Syndergaard is drawing trade interest from at least one team - the San Diego Padres - but the Mets might be more inclined to deal the right-hander for established major-league pieces rather than a collection of prospects, sources told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

If the pitcher is traded for prospects, the Mets may even opt to flip them for more established players who would improve the roster immediately, Rosenthal adds.

Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon told MLB.com's Anthony DiComo this week that acceptable offers for Syndergaard "would have to be pretty lopsided."

Syndergaard has another three years of team control remaining and is projected by MLB Trade Rumors to earn $5.9 million via arbitration in 2019.

The right-hander posted a 3.03 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 155 strikeouts this past season, and his two complete games led all starting pitchers. He did struggle to stay healthy for a second straight year, though, making just 25 starts due to injuries and illnesses.