The Mets acquired Cameron Maybin for less than what’s in your wallet

The New York Mets have acquired Cameron Maybin, and they gave up practically nothing.

With Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo and Albert Amora on the IL, and Kevin Pillar now sidelined after being hit in the face by a pitch Monday night, the New York Mets are in dire need of outfield depth. They acquired Cameron Maybin from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash on Tuesday, and immediately optioned him to Triple-A.

Maybin is now 34 years old. He has spent the early part of this season with the Cubs’ Triple-A team, posting a .103/.186/.205 slash-line with a home run and three RBI over 43 plate appearances. He split the 2020 season between the Detroit Tigers and the Cubs, with a .247/.307/.387 slash-line over 32 games (101 plate appearances).

Over 14 major league seasons (1,153 games), Maybin has averaged 10 home runs and 26 stolen bases per-162 games. In 2019 with the Yankees, he hit .285 with 11 home runs and an .858 OPS (126 OPS+) over 269 plate appearances.

The Mets acquired Cameron Maybin for pocket change

Trade news that comes with “cash considerations” or a “player to be named later” coming back in return invites possibilities. If Maybin was in line for a major league opportunity elsewhere, the Cubs clearly weren’t going to stand in the way. The cash the Mets will send back is not a reflection of his value.

The Mets acquired Maybin, who’s at least theoretically still a major league-quality player, for $1. Instead of being fleeced for prospects by another team, they secured what they hope will only need to be a short-term solution for pocket change.

Maybin should be on the Mets’ roster by the end of the week. If he literally produces anything, a hit, an RBI, a stolen base, an outfield assist or even just a simple caught fly ball, the Mets will have gotten back a return on their investment.