Mets rumors: Surprise trade target already emerging

The New York Mets are reportedly having trade discussions for a player in the NL Central division.

The All-Star break is nearing its end, which means the main focus in MLB will be on the Aug. 2 trade deadline. There are going to teams in postseason contention making moves to help improve their roster to clinch a berth and contend for the World Series. The New York Mets are one of those teams that qualifies as buyers, and they are linked to Washington Nationals superstar Juan Soto. But they are have had discussions with another team surrounding another player.

According to Michael Mayer of Metsmerized, the Mets have had trade discussions with the Pittsburgh Pirates about first baseman and designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach.

FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray noted in his latest Inside the Clubhouse column that the Mets were among teams interested Vogelbach.

Mets reportedly in trade discussions with Pirates for Daniel Vogelbach

New York’s first place lead in the NL East has diminished quite a bit since the beginning of the season, as the defending World Series champion Atlanta Braves have pulled within 2.5 games entering the All-Star break.

Vogelbach’s signed a one-year contract with the Pirates this past offseason. As Mayer mentions in the tweet above, Vogelbach has hit 12 home runs and knocked in 35 runs this season while batting .228. But this season, he has thrived when facing off against right-handed pitchers.

Against right-handed pitchers, Vogelbach is slashing .260/.365/.532. All 12 of his home runs came against righties, and he tallied 27 RBI against them.

Adding Vogelbach would make the Mets even better against right-handed pitching. As a team, they have accumulated a .259 batting average (third-best in MLB) and a .734 OPS (eighth-best) as of July 20.

Will the Mets and the Pirates be able to make a deal? That remains to be seen, but the two teams have talked about a potential Vogelbach trade.