With the Red Sox in a state of flux this offseason, there's long been a thought that the team might look to deal superstar right fielder Mookie Betts.
The Mets, meanwhile, would seem like a strong fit for Betts, as the team looks to solidify their outfield and add another big bat to go along with Pete Alonso in the lineup.
Could Betts end up in the National League this season after all?
According to a report from Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the Red Sox and Padres have discussed a potential deal centered around the 27-year-old, though a Betts-to-the-Padres deal is viewed as "unlikely" at this point.
Lin reports that the Padres would likely need to include Wil Myers and "a significant amount of prospect talent" to Boston in order to make the trade work for both sides.
Betts and the Red Sox recently settled on a one-year, $27 million deal to avoid arbitration, but the outfielder is set to be a free agent after the season.
In six seasons with the Red Sox, Betts has slashed .301/.374/.519 with 139 home runs and 470 RBI. He took home the AL MVP award in 2018, and has finished top-10 in MVP voting while making the All-Star team and winning a Gold Glove in each of the last four seasons.