With the Mets trying to reach the postseason for the first time since 2006, Joel Sherman of the NY Post believes New York should be buyers at the trade deadline. In his article, Sherman lists four players he thinks they should target.
Even though Sherman acknowledges that a trade for the Red’s dominating closer is unlikely, he argues that the payoff for such a move would be tremendous.
“The Royals accentuated last year what a powerhouse endgame could deliver. In Chapman and Jeurys Familia, the Mets would have a lefty-righty power duo akin to what the Yankees have with Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances.”
Chapman owns an excellent 1.61 ERA this year, and he has struck out over 100 batters in each of the last three seasons.
Sherman also raises the possibility of the Mets taking on Brandon Phillips‘ contract to lower the price of the deal, but the idea still seems doubtful.
The Mets stingy front office and ownership doesn’t appear willing to sacrifice enough talent or money that it would take to land a player of Chapman’s caliber.
Sherman includes Zobrist and Prado as solid fallback options since a trade for Troy Tulowitzki now seems far-fetched.
With a lot of question marks plaguing the Mets’ lineup, their versatility makes them intriguing options.
“That is why I believe Prado and Zobrist fit the Mets because of their ability to help at many positions.”
“Zobrist, just back from the disabled list, is the kind of player Alderson likes because of an ability to have patient at-bats. He also can play pretty much anywhere on the diamond except catcher or center field.”
While both players would be welcomed additions, Zobrist makes the most sense because he can play both shortstop and second base.
In 20 games this year, he’s batting .241 with one home run. For his career, he is a .264 hitter with a .781 OPS.
The Mets may have to reconfigure their outfield to get Upton’s bat in the lineup, but he’s exactly the type player they need. Upton has a .307 average this season, and he has hit 12 home runs and 37 RBI in 51 games.
“So, the Mets essentially could have Cuddyer and Granderson share left or Granderson play some center against tough righties. And they would have Lucas Duda and Upton forming a powerhouse three-four in the lineup down the stretch.”
However, Upton is a free agent after this season. What are the chances that Sandy Alderson trades a top tier prospect for a rental? I don’t see it happening.
Zobrist is the only realistic option that could work in my opinion. While he’s also a rental, he won’t cost the Mets nearly as much in terms of prospects.
Are there any other trade possibilities out there that could work? Let us know in the comments.
