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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades Mets should make

By Nicholas Ian Allen

MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 12: Matt Harvey #33 of the New York Mets pitches in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 12, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 12: Matt Harvey #33 of the New York Mets pitches in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 12, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – JUNE 29: Asdrubal Cabrera #13 of the New York Mets hits during a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on June 29, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – JUNE 29: Asdrubal Cabrera #13 of the New York Mets hits during a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on June 29, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Trade Asdrubal Cabrera to the Orioles

On June 24, Asdrubal Cabrera asked to be traded. Cabrera later recanted, saying he wanted to stay in New York, he just wanted to know if there was a plan for him int he team’s future. Perhaps one that didn’t involve him moving from shortstop to second base when he returned from the disabled list following a thumb injury. Either way, Cabrera’s days in New York appear to be numbered.

As one of the top overall prospects in baseball today, Amed Rosario is the future at shortstop for the Mets. Cabrera has already shifted to second base, having played there in eight of his nine games since returning from injury.

In theory, Cabrera has an inside shot to be the Mets’ second baseman in 2018 since his contract includes a $8.5 million option and Opening Day starter Neil Walker will be a free agent. However, Wilmer Flores might be a better long-term option, and since Cabrera has been outspoken about his desire to stay at short, it makes sense to send him elsewhere.

A team in a slightly better playoff position than the Mets – and one with a much bigger need at shortstop – is Baltimore. The Orioles rank second to last in Wins Above Replacement (-1.0 fWAR) at shortstop, according to FanGraphs. Only the San Diego Padres (-1.4 fWAR) have been worse. Orioles shortstops have hit a combined .207/.253/.284 with three home runs, and have posted a major league worst .077 ISO.

J.J. Hardy is on the DL with a fractured wrist and broken rib. The 31-year-old Cabrera, who has hit .263/.338/.427 with eight home runs and 24 RBI this season, would be an upgrade over Ruben Tejada, who has received the bulk of the playing time at short with Hardy on the shelf. And, at 40-41 overall, 1.5 games back in the AL Wild Card race, the Orioles might be willing to part with a good mid-level prospect, such as a lefty pitcher like Keegan Akin or Chris Lee, to get him.

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