Mets: 3 trade deadline targets from potential surprise sellers
By Tim Boyle
2) Mets trade target from a potential surprise seller: Joc Pederson
Maybe a bit better of a fit for the Mets because he could see more action on defense, Joc Pederson is on a San Francisco Giants club heading in the wrong direction. Pederson has been one of their best hitters all year long and his one-year deal with the club should soon make him a trade deadline candidate to get moved; unless of course they start streaking.
Pederson could give the Mets at-bats as a DH and also as a corner outfielder. He has a history of playing center field so on the days when Brandon Nimmo needs to rest his legs, they have another option.
All-Star Starling Marte is a bit older and has had a couple of aches and pains this season. Mark Canha is also old by baseball standards so it would help to have someone like Pederson, about 2 years younger than them, on the roster.
What also makes Pederson intriguing is that he is a left-handed hitter with pop. The Mets have very little power on their roster and even less so from the left side. Switch hitters Francisco Lindor and Eduardo Escobar were meant to be those answers. Lindor is driving in runs while hitting for a low average. Escobar isn’t doing much of anything at the plate.
Even sweeter, Pederson can help the Mets to take the team he won the World Series with last year, the Atlanta Braves.