The day is finally here. It’s July 30, 2021, Major League Baseball’s trade deadline. Once 4 p.m. E.T. hits, deals are no longer allowed for the remainder of this season. Unlike past years, where trades could be made through waivers into late August, this year has no such provision.
As of this morning, the Mets have still not made a deal. While the team has been rumored to many players over the past several weeks, acting general manager Zack Scott has yet to complete a trade. But there is still time left in the day. This is where the Mets stand regarding the best available players that they have been connected to.
Jon Heyman of MLB Network tweeted that the Mets still remain in talks with the Cubs for trades involving third baseman Kris Bryant and/or starting pitcher Zach Davies. While starting pitching remains the Mets biggest need, adding a star middle-of-the-order bat like Bryant would mark a significant improvement for the club.
Heyman also reported that Cubs shortstop Javier Baez continues to be a name connected to the Mets. Earlier this week, Baez made comments that he’d like to play alongside Francisco Lindor. In that situation, Baez would move to second base once Lindor returns to the lineup. Heyman concluded by saying that both Bryant or Baez remain possibilities to join the Mets.
Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reported that the Mets remain interested in shortstop Trevor Story, but there is no active progress on a deal. He said that any deal for story would likely not take place until the final stages of the trade deadline. Story is another star bat and premium defender that would fill out the Mets infield nicely. When Lindor returns from the IL, a player such as Story could presumably shift to second or third base.
In the starting pitching market, the Mets continue to pursue Twins pitcher Jose Berrios. As of Thursday afternoon, the Mets were still trying to trade for the Minnesota RHP, according to Joel Sherman of The New York Post.
Sherman added additional insight into the Mets talks with the Cubs. The Mets have been linked to closer Craig Kimbrel as well. who remains on the market. If the Mets do make a trade with Chicago, there is speculation that it could be a combination of the Bryant/Baez/Kimbrel trio.
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com tweeted that although the pitching market is moving rather quick, the Mets still have options available. Among players on expiring deals after the 2021 season, these names include Davies, Jon Gray of the Rockies and Kyle Gibson of the Rangers.
