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MLB Trade Deadline: 15 deals that should happen

By Nathaniel Reeves

May 14, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 25, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Danny Valencia (26) warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Danny Valencia (26) warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Danny Valencia to the New York Mets

While Valencia isn’t the biggest name out there, the fit between him and the Mets is too strong for a potential deal to be ignored. New York is a rare contender in need of an upgrade at third base, and the time is right for Oakland to deal Valencia, as his value is never going to be higher.

The 31-year-old Valencia has bounced between four different teams in his six-year career, but has actually been very good at the plate in recent seasons. Valencia posted wRC+ marks of 140 and 135 in 2013 and 2015 respectively according to FanGraphs, and it came as a surprise when the Toronto Blue Jays cut him last summer.

In previous years, Valencia has only been in the lineup against lefties, as he owns a career 142 wRC+ versus southpaws. This season, Valencia is hitting well against right-handers as well and has posted a career-best 146 wRC+ through 233 plate appearances as a result.

Even if he regresses back to career levels against righties, Valencia can still help the Mets. New York’s offense has been scuffling recently, and the team needs something out of third base after David Wright was again lost for the year with back problems.

Valencia probably won’t return a top Mets impact prospect like Desmond Lindsay, but the Athletics should still get a solid piece in return. Oakland needs quite a few players to boost its farm system and get back in contention down the road, so trading Valencia even as he is just about to enter arbitration is the right move for the club.

Next: 2. Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox

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