The New York Mets got the lead-up to the MLB trade deadline rolling by dealing for Daniel Vogelbach but they could still use more power in their lineup.
With the Aug. 2 MLB Trade Deadline approaching, the New York Mets pulled off one of the first major(ish) deals of the year as they landed big-hitting 1B/DH Daniel Vogelbach from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.
However, immediately after breaking the news, MLB insider Jon Heyman indicated that the Mets likely weren’t done looking for bats to add to their lineup. They’ve filled the DH spot and given themselves a power bat to match up against right-handed pitchers, but they could still use more.
Mets are still open to acquiring another hitter. Solid pickup to start things. Power was needed. https://t.co/DcM0AbVnFU
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 22, 2022
In an ideal world, New York would be the winners in the Juan Soto trade sweepstakes but, frankly, it’s seeming more and more unlikely that the Nationals are going to deal him within the division if they have a choice — which they almost certainly will. As such, the Mets should turn their focus to these three bats ahead of the deadline to try and add more pop to the lineup.
3. Mets trade rumors: Andrew Benintendi could be a top-end target
One of the sleeping giants that could be dealt at the trade deadline is Kansas City Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi. While he’s not exactly hitting the ball out of the park often this season, he’s in the midst of the best season of his career and, with the Royals in a position to sell, that could be something the Mets take advantage of.
For the season, Benintendi is slashing an impressive .317/.386/.401 while putting up three home runs, 19 extra-base hits and 37 RBI. And you have to imagine the RBI numbers would look much better in a place like New York as opposed to the anemic Kansas City lineup.
The outfield in the Big Apple has some nice players with newcomers Starling Marte and Mark Canha joining Brandon Nimmo, but the overall depth of that group is sorely lacking. Benintendi is far more than a depth piece, but he represents a potential upgrade.
Benintendi’s ability to get on base as often as he has this season could be extremely valuable if he were in the lineup ahead of guys like Pete Alonso and the newly acquired Vogelbach.
2. Mets trade rumors: Willson Contreras offers New York pop and a reliable catcher
One of the biggest holes that doesn’t involve the bullpen for the Mets is at catcher. As of right now, the top option at the position, James McCann, is on the IL. But even when he’s been in the lineup, he’s been less than effective with an average below .185 and an OPS barely above .500. It’s a spot where New York has to look to upgrade at the trade deadline.
The best potential option to target on the trade block would be Cubs catcher Willson Contreras. All signs point to Chicago once again being sellers at the deadline as they look to build for the future and the 30-year-old All-Star just might not fit that bill at this point.
For the Mets, on the other hand, he could be a piece that would help push them further into World Series contention. He’s another power bat to add to the heart of the order that could give them much better production from the position.
Contreras is better against lefties than righties this season, but his splits against right-handers aren’t that far off from what he does against southpaws (.357 OBP vs. .391 OBP), so he wouldn’t add to New York’s woes in that department. But most of all, that reliability at catcher and the 31 extra-base hits he’s gone for this season would be extremely valuable for the Mets.
1. Mets trade rumors: Trey Mancini is a rental that would make a ton of sense
Another potential option for the Mets — and a potentially cheaper option — would be to look to Baltimore and see if the Orioles want to strike a trade involving Trey Mancini. His contract could be up after this season as there’s a mutual option for the 2023 season, so it would be a rental, but it could be one that’s worth it for New York.
For starters, New York would certainly appreciate the versatility of Mancini, a guy who could fill in as the DH, a corner outfielder, or even at first base. That’s something that would give the club valuable flexibility with their lineups down the stretch.
As a hitter, the Mets would also like what Mancini brings to the table. For the year with the Orioles, he’s slashing .277/.352/.417 with nine home runs, 16 doubles and 37 RBI. He’s been a steady bat and a big reason for the June-July surge in Baltimore. But that surge won’t deter the club from selling him to the right buyer at the deadline given the uncertainty of his future beyond this season.
Because of all he brings to the table and the potential cost, Mancini could be the most effective trade target for the Mets at the deadline. It’s all about the right deal, but the fit would simply make a ton of sense for the franchise at this juncture.