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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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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 12: Jay Bruce #19 of the New York Mets follows through on a third inning two run home run against the Chicago Cubs at Citi Field on June 12, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 12: Jay Bruce #19 of the New York Mets follows through on a third inning two run home run against the Chicago Cubs at Citi Field on June 12, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Trade Jay Bruce or Juan Lagares to the Cardinals

The Cardinals are in a similar position to the Twins. While St. Louis isn’t a favorite to make it to the World Series, the club has played well enough to stay competitive in a division with no dominant team. As a result, both the division title and Wild Card are in play, and a good trade or two could set the tone for a second-half push.

One area in which the Cards could improve their roster is an outfield that ranks 17th in the majors with a combined 3.1 fWAR. Right field has been particularly troubling, as the Cardinals have gotten a collective 0.2 fWAR from the position. A major part of the problem has been defensive issues, and St. Louis right fielders rank second to last defensively, according to FanGraphs.

With Jay Bruce playing out his contract, unless general manager Sandy Alderson intends to commit to the 30-year-old with a multi-year extension, the slugging outfielder is a perfect trade candidate. Bruce bounced back from a dreadful start to him Mets career, and has hit .261/.334/.518 with 20 home runs and 55 RBI in 76 games this season. He has recovered at least some of the value he lost while hitting .219/.294/.391 with eight homers in 50 games after a mid-season trade from Cincinnati in 2016.

Bruce isn’t an outstanding defensive outfielder, but he’s been serviceable this season, and his bat would be an improvement over Stephen Piscotty and Randal Grichuk. Juan Lagares, on the DL following thumb surgery, could be an option to improve the defense since he’s one of the best in the business when healthy. Granderson would also fit here if the trade to Minnesota doesn’t pan out.

Either Bruce or Lagares would likely bring back multiple prospects, though it’s unlikely the Cardinals would be willing to part with a Top 100-caliber player like Alex Reyes, Carson Kelly, Luke Weaver or Delvin Perez. Still, the St. Louis farm system is deep, and there’s talent available that would help New York in the long run.

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