Report: Padres remain interested in Mets' Syndergaard

The San Diego Padres are still interested in trading for New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

The Padres were reportedly targeting the right-hander prior to this past season's non-waiver trade deadline but a deal never materialized.

Under new leadership with general manager Brodie Van Wagenen at the helm, the Mets seem intent on keeping ace right-hander and newly-minted Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom. There is a possibility the Mets try to move Syndergaard while the club pursues a long-term extension with deGrom, according to Rosenthal.

Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon addressed the Syndergaard rumors on Friday, stating that an acceptable offer for the All-Star's services "would have to be pretty lopsided."

Syndergaard authored a 3.03 ERA and 2.80 FIP over 154 1/3 innings last season, striking out 24.1 percent of batters while posting a 6.1 percent walk rate. The 26-year-old, who is under team control for three more seasons, is expected to earn $5.9 million in arbitration this offseason, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

The Padres are currently projected to enter the 2019 campaign with Joey Lucchesi and Clayton Richard anchoring their rotation. San Diego is considered to have one of the best farm systems in baseball, led by top prospects Fernando Tatis Jr. and MacKenzie Gore.