3 trade targets for New York Mets

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The cracks are starting to show for the New York Mets.

It was a matter of time. A team can only overcome so many injuries before they start to slide back in the standings. As the Mets are without their top two starters, a key setup man, and their starting catcher, it is not a surprise that their lead has begun to dissipate. Add in the Braves’ soft schedule right now and it is a perfect storm.

Three trade targets for New York Mets

Although the Mets have several holes on the roster, they are still in solid shape. Not only is the farm system relatively solid, but they have an owner willing to spend anything needed to improve the roster. With their collapse in the final two months last year still fresh in their minds, it would not be a surprise to see the Mets make a splash or two at the deadline.

The New York Mets may be atop the NL East but they still have plenty of holes to fill. Let’s take a look at three potential trade targets.

Willson Contreras

The New York Mets lineup has been impressive everywhere except for one position – catcher.

Even when James McCann returns, the catcher spot will be a problem. McCann’s 59 OPS+ is even lower than nominal backup Tomas Nido, someone who has never been known for his production. While Francisco Alvarez may get a look later this year and is the catcher of the future, it is difficult to entrust the position to a rookie in the middle of a playoff run.

Fortunately, a solid bat behind the plate will likely come available. The Cubs are a disappointment once again, and as Willson Contreras is slated for free agency at the end of the season, a trade seems inevitable.

Contreras would certainly fit the Mets’ lineup. His 152 OPS+ with ten homers and ten doubles would make their lineup even more dangerous from top to bottom. He also would not block Alvarez from being their primary backstop in 2023 due to his impending free agency. While there may be some concerns about his ability to produce in the second half, he is the type of player that the Mets need to target.

The New York Mets need to get something resembling production from the catcher spot. Willson Contreras would be a perfect fit.

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Frankie Montas

The New York Mets already landed one solid piece of the rotation from the Oakland A’s when they acquired Chris Bassitt. Why not try for another?

Yes, the Mets are going to get their top two starters back somewhat soon. Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer are both expected to return before the All Star Break. However, Bassitt has struggled in his past few starts. Carlos Carrasco and Taijuan Walker have been solid, but how long will that last?

It would make sense for the Mets to add another pitcher who has the potential to be a top of the rotation arm. Frankie Montas would be exactly that, a pitcher who has had flashes of dominance and could be that needed piece. He has had a strong season, posting a 3.40 ERA and a 1.043 WHiP over his 76.2 innings entering Monday, striking out 80 batters with 17 walks. That performance would certainly fit into the Mets rotation.

Montas would not have nearly the same pressure on him as he would in other places. He would slot into the middle of the Mets rotation, instantly becoming one of the best third or fourth starters in the game. The old axiom that one can never have enough pitching is certainly true.

The Oakland A’s could use another arm in the rotation. Frankie Montas would be the type of arm that they need.

Andrew Chafin

The New York Mets desperately need someone that can provide quality innings from the left side.

Neither Joely Rodriguez nor Chasen Shreve has been the answer this year. Both pitchers have been subpar at best. Shreve did have a solid start to the year, but it is becoming clear why the Mets were able to add him on a minor league deal.

It is clear that the Mets need help from the left side in the bullpen. While plenty of teams are going to be seeking left handed relievers, the Mets absolutely need to land a strong option. Andrew Chafin, who had been dealt at the deadline last year, would be a perfect fit.

Chafin has continued his strong showing with the Tigers this year, posting a 2.51 ERA and a 1.186 WHiP in his 14.1 innings, striking out 16 batters with four walks while posting a 51.3% ground ball rate. He has also held left handed hitters to a .231/.333/.308 batting line in 30 plate appearances, numbers that would play well in the Mets’ bullpen.

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The New York Mets have a major need for a solid left handed reliever. Andrew Chafin would solve those problems.

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