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MLB trade rumors: 5 players the Mets must acquire

By Joshua Sadlock

Apr 28, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Bartolo Colon (40) bunts during the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Bartolo Colon (40) bunts during the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 12, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA;Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) runs to first base on a double to center during the third inning of an MLB spring training baseball game against the New York Mets at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA;Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) runs to first base on a double to center during the third inning of an MLB spring training baseball game against the New York Mets at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

2. J.D. Martinez

If the Mets are going to shoot for the moon with a hitter on the trade market this year, J.D. Martinez may be the best option available on the market. For now, it does not appear the Detroit Tigers will shop him aggressively, but that could change if they continue to scuffle along at or around .500.

Martinez has not played yet this year, but is working back through extended Spring Training and could begin a rehab assignment very soon. In three years with the Tigers, Martinez is a .299/.357/.540 hitter with 83 home runs and 246 RBI in 401 games. The Houston Astros gave up on him, but Martinez has made himself into one of the most dangerous power hitters in the game.

Of the hitters mentioned on the previous pages, Martinez would be the most expensive to acquire. The Mets would have to think long and hard about pulling the trigger on a deal for a rental bat like Martinez. There is also the matter of finding him a position to consider. Martinez has never played first base in his MLB career, but it is something he may be able to pick up for a half season. It’s far from an ideal situation, but Martinez is the biggest impact bat who could land on the trade market this season. If the Mets want to make their offense better, they may have to attempt to make a run at this slugger.

The Mets might also consider making a run at Andrew McCutchen, but would likely be outbid by other teams. McCutchen is under contract beyond the 2017 season, and the Pirates will hold out for a sweeter package to deal away the face of their franchise. The Mets would likely have to part with their top prospect Amed Rosario to acquire McCutchen, and it is hard to see them being willing to part with a potentially elite shortstop to bring in a declining center fielder.

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