MLB Trades: Five bold predictions for the 2020 season

Predicting Five Bold MLB Trades

Mets address their center field hole by trading for Starling Marte

It is no secret that the Mets are looking to add a quality center fielder this offseason. The Mets’ defense was undoubtedly one of their biggest weak spots in 2019 and must be improved if they want to have a chance to become legitimate contenders in 2020. If GM Broadie Van Wagenen intends on making defense a priority this offseason, there is no better place to start than center field.

The Mets struggled to find consistent play in center last season. Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto, J.D. Davis, and Jeff McNeil all spent plenty of time in the outfield and proved to all be productive offensive players. However, none of them showed the ability to play solid defense in center. Conforto logged 268 innings in center and played unimpressive defense. On the other hand, Juan Lagares took most of the reps in center, and played stellar defense. However, he is a horrendous hitter, which makes him tough to keep in the lineup.

Thankfully for the Mets, the Pirates might have the ideal solution for their center fielding woes. Starling Marte is one of the better five-tool players in the MLB, and it appears now might be the perfect time for the Pirates to trade him. Marte slashed .295/.342/.503 with 23 home runs and 25 stolen bases. The Bucs are in the middle of a complete rebuild, and newly-hired GM Ben Cherington has an opportunity to set the tone by getting a good return for Marte.

His speed, solid defense, and right-handed bat can balance out their left-hand hitting outfield beautifully, and finally provide an answer in center field. He is owed $11.5 million in 2020, which is more than affordable for the Mets. He also has a $2 million buyout option at the end of next season. The Mets-Pirates trade seems like a match made in heaven, so don’t be surprised if Starling Marte ends up playing in the Big Apple next season.