New York Mets Offseason Trade Wishlist

With the rumors and speculation already surrounding the New York Mets and their pending off-season transactions, here’s a look at some potential targets via trade.

Jul 22, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) hits a double during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

1) Carlos Gonzalez: The power slugging outfielder would fill two huge holes that the Mets need to fill, outfielder and a  power bat. The whisperings around the team has suggested that a trade for one of the power bats is on the table and is being looked at seriously. Cargo would instantly give protection into the lineup for David Wright, while adding another weapon at the plate. Now Cargo won’t come with out a hefty price tag. Prospects like Travis d’Arnuad, Rafael Montero and Jenrry Mejia are all on the table for this trade to work. Colorado would love to add young talent to the team and the Mets would love to add the bat of Cargo into the lineup, it’s just a matter of the price being right for Sandy Alderson to pull the trigger.

2) Troy Tulowitzki: Another glaring need for the Mets is at the shortstop position. There is no real future at the position, as it seems that Ruben Tejada is not favorable within the organization. Tulo would be another immediate impact type player, filling a need for the Mets. His history of injuries needs to factor in the decision to acquire Tulo, but when healthy he can be one of best hitters in the game. Since he is also a Colorado Rockie, the same price tag would apply. If the Mets can get a package together that could acquire either one of these two All-Star players, they will be able to make a big splash this off-season.

3) Elvis Andrus: A name that isn’t thrown around much, and sort of long shot to be acquired, but Elvis Andrus would be a perfect fit in the Sandy Alderson system. He’s a lead-off caliber hitter, with speed, and plays a position that isn’t occupied. But will Texas want to trade him? He was just given a massive contract extension that keeps him under control for a long time (another thing Alderson looks for in acquiring talent). Couple that with Jurickson Profar needing a home and Andrus’ could be shopped around by the Rangers. The package for Andrus would be a bit different, as Texas would be looking for some bullpen help plus an outfield bat. Montero, Lucas Duda and Bobby Parnell would be a good place to start for Alderson.

4) Jed Lowrie: An under-the-radar trade target, but one that should be on the wish list. Lowrie, who just played in his first full season, is a guy that does everything Sandy Alderson wants a player to do. He gets on base, he hits for power, he hits for average and he can be achieved without giving up any major prospects. Now it’s a bit of a gamble to bring in Lowrie, who only has one season under his belt, but with no big time prospects going back (Zack Wheeler or Noah Syndergaard) it seems like an out-of-the-box option for Alderson to look at.

5) Giancarlo Stanton: Stanton’s name has been linked to trades ever since Miami blew up the “super team”. But it’s a long-shot to get Stanton, and that’s underestimating what it would take to acquire Stanton. That doesn’t mean he can be left off the list (it is a wish list). Stanton is a young, under control, power hitting outfielder who could easily make any mediocre team a contender overnight. Stanton is one of those players a franchise should be around, although it seems Miami might be willing to listen to offers. Fair warning, the price tag is pretty hefty and one that the Mets won’t be able to meet. A package would have to start with Zack Wheeler and Noah Syndergaard, and the organization has clearly said those two are untouchable.  While Stanton may not be a viable option for the Mets, his name will be floated around and connected with the Mets a lot this off-season.

A wish list. All of these players are not achievable. They aren’t the player that is going to make the Mets into World Series Champions. But they are potential pieces that can help get them closer to that point. In honesty, there probably is only one realistic trade that could happen here and that’s one for Jed Lowrie. Any others would have to take some creativity and some talent being traded away. When it’s all set and done the Mets will have to make something happen in the trade market, as 2014 is hanging in the balance.