Reese Kaplan -- A Potentially Big Trade Chip

Suppose you had a slow-footed player who was not blessed with an even average glove but who has delivered on average per 162 games 20 HRs, 72 RBIs only 78 strikeouts and a .260 AVG.  Most teams would gladly find a place on the field for this level of run production.  Most teams, of course, do not operate in the puzzling manner of the NY Mets and it appears that this man’s services might better serve them as a trade chip than as a regular starter as they have been disinclined since his arrival to offer him that opportunity.

I’ve drawn parallels in the past to Jeff Kent, another player the Mets felt was not a good fit for their needs.  We know how that turned out.  Daniel Murphy is another, though Murph’s power was a late development thanks to Kevin Long’s tutelage and Washington has been reaping the benefit ever since.

So what is Wilmer Flores’ future with the club?  Pretty much everyone acknowledges the man can hit.  It’s also universally accepted that you need to hide his glove somewhere on the field in order to get his bat into the lineup.  The current manager has been disinclined to offer up a steady gig, and even the front office who many feel call the shots on the lineup and who has a disdain for defense has not advocated for increased playing time. 

Given the many holes on the ballclub – starting pitching, bullpen, 2B, 3B and the outfield – it would seem that Flores might be one of the few attractive assets the Mets could trade to another club.  Bundled with some wildcard options like Rafael Montero, Zack Wheeler or Seth Lugo, the Mets might actually get something of value in return. 

Granted, the front office has seemed to forget how this roster improvement option known as a trade is supposed to work.  You give up something of value and get something of equal or greater value in return.  Take a look at the many trades consummated this summer and it’s clear that principle has not been embraced.  As always, financial considerations trumped trying to win ballgames. 

Towards that end, Flores is hitting the arbitration period where he would be (by Mets standards, anyway) an expensive bench part.  Right now he’s earning $2.2 million and should surely eclipse $3.5 million next season.  Considering he cannot become a free agent until 2020, there would likely be a number of suitors (many in the AL who might see him as a DH) who would covet the kind of offensive production he’s capable of delivering.  Surely he’s worth more than a middle reliever with a 4.50 career minor league ERA who can’t find the plate with a map, a divining rod or a GPS.  Then again, when was the last time the team made a trade for a productive player?  

Here’s a hint – he once salary-dumped a Cy Young award winner for thus far Noah Syndergaard and Travis d’Arnaud.  He swindled the Reds in giving up Dilson Herrera (himself a loser deal) for Jay Bruce.  (Of course he negated that victory by obtaining only 4.08 ERA relief pitcher Ryder Ryan).  He also gave away a Rookie-of-the-Year as the price to bring Yoenis Cespedes to New York.  Believe me, the other trades he’s made are far worse.  Angel Pagan?  Frankie Rodriguez?  Colin McHugh?  Carlos Beltran?  Akeel Morris? 

So while it may make sense for the Mets to trade Wilmer Flores to another club if they feel they can improve, the track record of the front office suggests that they will not hold out for a top prospect or get an established player at a position of need. 

What do you feel Wilmer Flores’ future is for the Mets?  (Answer again assuming Terry Collins is not the manager).