One of the hardest things to predict in baseball is the desire by another team to trade one of its star players when he could theoretically help them win ballgames.
No, the tougher job is finding someone who is valued but perhaps coming off a bad season or an overpriced contract or lingering injuries that the home team has felt is no longer a core piece of their roster going forward. Therein lies the challenge. First you must identify such players and then you must figure out how to obtain them without overpaying in trade assets.
Without a recourse on the whole Carlos Correa situation, the fact is that the Mets could use some additional offense to help propel them forward from the results of 2022. While most folks focus almost exclusively on home run power, the Mets also lack base running speed and could use some defensive help for late innings and starting assignments when otherwise offensively helpful players need a break. Towards that end, lets look at a few names worth considering.
The Los Angeles Dodgers seemed to have plucked utility player Max Muncy out of thin air when he arrived at Dodger Stadium. He's had some terrific seasons, including three seasons of 35 or more home runs. The big lefty slugger has played 1st, 2nd, 3rd and both corner outfield positions plus this past season DH.
While considering the left coast, there's a true star sewn up for major money playing down the road in San Diego, the son of former Mets player Fernando Tatis. The Junior version has the ability to make any GM and manager drool with his potential, but he's been nailed for PEDs which calls into question how much of his talent is truly natural.
An oft injured player who suits up for Minnesota is outfielder Byron Buxton. Over his past two seasons combined he has played an aggregate of one year's worth of ball. In that time he's delivered 47 HRs and 86 RBIs. The Twins are likely a bit frustrated he is not a 150-game player and might be interested in a conversation if the offer was good enough.
The Chicago Cubs have never really settled in for the proper role for Ian Happ. Is he an outfielder? Is he a DH? The fact is that the Mets could use help at either one of these spots and Happ's capabilities would look very appealing at Citifield. He's played all three outfield positions (and earned a Gold Glove last year) as well as DH.
A player who was once considered one of the true stars of the National League is Christian Yelich. The last few seasons have not been good for Milwaukee's former finest and the Brewers are obligated to pay him $26 million per year through 2028 with an option or $6.5 million buyout for 2029. In a salary dump kind of deal, it likely would take a few jewels from the minor leagues but not the king's ransom it would have taken in his MVP caliber seasons.
The Baltimore Orioles have a solid talent in outfielder Cedric Mullins. For a small market team when it comes to payroll, it might be difficult to pry him away, but it's worth a phone call. He's a year removed from a 30-30 season, but 2022 was a step downward with just 16 HRs though the 34 steals exceeded what he did the previous season.
Finally, there is a rookie last season who was not expected to do especially well, but he finished his first campaign in the majors at .298 after hitting a similar .301 during his minor league career. You may not know the name Steven Kwan, but he played stellar defense in all three outfield positions, stole 19 bases and would likely be a capable 3rd or 4th outfielder to add to the Mets roster.
Who the Mets would be giving up in the deals is very much open to question and whether or not any are suitable to join the club is also debatable. However, it is wise to find hidden gems like the Mets did last year with Chris Bassitt than to overpay for folks past their prime like Robinson Cano.
6 comments:
Sime intriguing candidates potentially. I am sure the Eppler Brigade is food-processing all options as we speak.
I'm not sure what the Mets plan is for the remaining off-season.
We could be looking at the 2023 team right now.
We cannot look forward to 2023
Max verlander could fall off the Cliff fast
We need to be all in now
Which is why Correa makes sense even if he falls off the map after 2 years
Now I am ok with loading up with a Duvall but I am of the belief that we need a Conforto type production from one of the kids
And these days I think that it may be Mauricio who could be that guy
Mauricio at 3b and be a Baez type players
(250 25hr 80 rbi)
Fingers cross
Eddie
As far as who to target how about us trading for a young player
Me it’s Alcantra (which is why correas makes many prospects expendable)
But a Cedric Mullins
Or how about some one like Julio Rodriguez (I don’t expect him but someone like him)
Who has tons of years of control
Yes I would trade a lot for Julio but someone like that (Alvarez/ baty bye)
Eddie
I've got a 1 PM article today on one aspect of this subject.
Of all those listed, only Mullins is worth a look. The others are a collection of too-high salaries, inconsistent results, and bad attitudes. None of those fits with the Mets vision for the future.
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