MLB Trade Deadline Rumors: 5 trades Rays should make

4. Trade for Asdrubal Cabrera and Jerry Blevins

A one-time Gold Glove shortstop and former member of the Rays, Asdrubal Cabrera has played second base primarily since returning to the Mets lineup after a short DL stint in late June. Cabrera also played third base Saturday night, perhaps in an effort for New York to show contenders Cabrera, though reluctant to move from his traditional position earlier this year, is versatile enough to help a team in need of an infielder.

Prior to this season, the last time Cabrera saw extended time at second base was with the Nationals, who acquired the switch-hitter at the trade deadline. He’s capable of playing the position for the Rays, and the 31-year-old Cabrera is still productive at the plate as well. This season, Cabrera has hit .250/.333/.398 with nine home runs and 29 RBI. Last season, he hit .280/.336/.474 with 23 homers and 62 RBI.

Mets closer Addison Reed is the most highly sought after member of the New York bullpen, though he may be out of Tampa Bay’s reach given the number of contenders linked to him. That leaves pitchers like Jerry Blevins as a more likely target.

Blevins has posted a 3.16 ERA and 3.21 FIP with 44 strikeouts in 31.1 innings this season. Primarily used as a lefty specialist, Blevins has made 48 appearances for the Mets this season. Lefties are hitting just .173/.230/.185 against the 33-year-old. He has surrendered just 26 hits and 16 walks overall, giving him a solid 1.340 WHIP. The 7.5 hits per nine innings Blevins has allowed this season is the best rate for a Mets pitcher with more than 10 innings to his credit this season.