Could the Mets land a big name before the trade deadline?
The New York Mets are facing a tough period, having recorded a disappointing 7-13 over their last 20 games.
Despite their difficulties, the Mets are still among the leading contenders in Major League Baseball, with star outfielder Juan Soto at the forefront. However, the third base position has been a weakness, leading to speculation that the Mets might seek reinforcements ahead of the trade deadline.
To cover third base, the Mets have turned to Brett Baty and Mark Vientos. Unfortunately, both players have not been able to deliver consistent performances. Baty has exhibited promise but hasn’t been able to make the most of it, while Vientos has had trouble establishing a steady rhythm at the plate.
Consequently, the Mets find themselves near the bottom of MLB in terms of offensive output from third base. With their hopes for the playoffs still intact, it’s evident that the Mets must rectify this weakness to stay competitive in the latter half of the season.
This situation has fueled speculation that Mets President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns, may explore external options before the trade deadline. One name that’s come up as a potential target is two-time All-Star Alex Bregman.
Mets linked to Alex Bregman as a trade target
Bregman, who inked a three-year, $ 120 million deal with the Boston Red Sox during the offseason, has been delivering strong performances. Before being placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right quad strain, he boasted a batting line of .299/.385/.553, with 11 home runs, 35 RBIs, and a .938 OPS over 51 games.
His outstanding play earned him a Gold Glove award for third base in the 2024 season, underscoring his worth.
As the Red Sox face difficulties and with Bregman possibly considering opting out of his contract at the end of the year, Boston might be willing to trade the 31-year-old if they anticipate he will leave for free agency.
This presents the Mets with an opportunity to acquire a reliable third baseman, enhancing their lineup for a playoff run. Bregman’s combination of offensive and defensive skills could offer the Mets a significant upgrade at this pivotal position.
Potential trade package for Bregman
In a trade proposal from Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer, the Mets would send designated hitter Starling Marte and their No. 3 prospect, right-handed pitcher Nolan McLean, to the Red Sox in exchange for Bregman.
Marte, who has a salary of $ 10.4 million this season, would help balance the financial aspects of the trade, while McLean, a promising young pitcher with a 2.25 ERA this year, could be a valuable piece for Boston as they work on strengthening their pitching depth.
Although Marte has faced injury issues in recent years, he remains a reliable hitter and will be a free agent at the end of the season. For Boston, acquiring McLean represents a forward-looking investment, especially given his excellent slider and impressive performance in the minor leagues.
In summary, considering their difficulties at third base, the Mets might seek to enhance their roster by targeting Alex Bregman. If the Red Sox are open to a trade, a deal involving Marte and McLean could strengthen New York’s infield while keeping them competitive in the playoff hunt.
With the trade deadline nearing, the Mets’ front office will need to act swiftly to secure this potential game-changer.
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