New York Mets: Can we finally admit this approach to 2023 did not work?

After losing two out of three games to the Boston Red Sox this weekend, the New York Mets are now 46-53, 7.5 games outside of a playoff spot. Even owner Steve Cohen admitted that the Mets being buyers at the deadline would be “pretty silly” given their dim playoff hopes.

A promising season has been derailed by poor performances and various injuries, but fans in New York are not up for the sob story, especially with an owner that is willing to give out lucrative contracts. Some things have gone right, such as the emergence of Francisco Alvarez, and the ease of Kodai Senga joining the rotation, but it’s not enough to right a sinking ship. Disappointing seasons from high-paid superstars plus a deflating injury to Edwin Diaz has put the Mets’ veterans on the radars of various contenders.

So what would teams actually look for when picking at the carcass of a lost New York Mets season?

For one, Mark Canha has reportedly generated interest. Canha’s 17.1 percent strikeout rate is comfortably below the league average, plus his ability to play multiple positions and likely provide some pop should make him a key target when made available. Canha has been cold the last month or so, especially from a power standpoint, although he is only a year removed from 47 extra-base hits in 2022.

Tommy Pham may be another outfielder moved by the Mets, hitting .298 with 14 walks and five stolen bases over his last 30 games. Pham hits the ball exceptionally hard, ranking in the 96th percentile of average exit velocity on Baseball Savant. Pham has played center field and left field this season, but his main value will be generated by his offense, which has been pretty consistent since 2017. As a rental, Pham will likely yield a low level prospect or two, but Cohen has been adamant about building a farm system, and quantity is important as well.

Teams are always looking for pitching, especially strong bullpen arms. David Robertson has turned in a vintage season, picking up 14 saves and 48 strikeouts in 43.1 innings. Robertson’s signature cutter has held batters to a measly .138 batting average. Even at 38, Robertson would be a welcomed addition to nearly any contending bullpen.

Two names to watch as the MLB trade deadline approaches are Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. Both are aging, and showing signs of slowing down, plus huge contracts may scare away teams. Still, pitching tends to dominate the deadline, and these may be two available front-line starters, and that does not happen very often. Despite poor numbers, either would return a solid bundle of prospects and big league ready talent. Cohen likes to make big moves, and trading either would be his biggest yet.

With six games standing between the New York Mets and the deadline, there is little time to turn things around in the eyes of their fans. While it may not be the most popular move, Steve Cohen needs to push the team towards selling, as the sake of future seasons rely on this.