There isn’t likely to be a big splash from the New York Mets come this August 1st trading deadline, as a Yoenis Cespedes type player does not seem to be in the cards for the team. Mike Puma of the New York Post spoke with “team sources” who have advised that the team is likely to target a reliable bullpen arm.
According to team sources, Puma was advised that they are not necessarily in need to go after a higher-end option such as a Tyler Clippard type as they did in 2015. Puma floats around such names as San Diego relievers, Brad Hand and Ryan Buchter as well as Oakland’s John Axford and Atlanta’s Chris Withrow as possible targets.
Addison Reed and Jeurys Familia have been as lock down as they possibly could be but the team still lacks a steady seventh inning option. Antonio Bastardo was supposed to be that guy, giving the Mets their own three headed monster to finish a game but it has not worked out. Bastardo has been a complete mess, pitching to a 4.91 ERA and being left with mop-up duty at times.
In a season where the Mets are trying to taper the workload of their young starting staff, getting a lock down seventh inning guy could be quite beneficial for this team. An interesting name to look at may be Oakland’s Ryan Madson, he has saved 17 games so far, but his cost may be too rich for the Mets at this time.
The trade deadline this year is sure to be much more quiet than 2015 and possibly silent altogether. Sandy Alderson has advised that there are not really any reinforcements coming other than those coming back from injury. The team has the players they need to get through the rough times, it is just a matter of putting it all together.
