Mets take another trade deadline backup plan from the Pirates

The New York Mets have traded for Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Michael Perez. Is this a hint of what’s to come?

Could it actually be a quiet trade deadline for the New York Mets?

Despite Juan Soto rumors swirling, as well as being named as a potential Willson Contreras destination, New York made a flurry of moves the past two days that suggest fans should temper expectations (at least for now).

New York traded for Daniel Vogelbach, formerly a slugger on the Pirates, last night. He’s a fine addition, but certainly not the big splash fans are waiting for. Perez isn’t going to cut it, either.

Ah, cash considerations. Somehow, you’re always the top-rated prospect in Bob Nutting’s farm system.

Michael Perez trade: What do Mets, Pirates gain?

Vogelbach has an impressive ISO, and is a solid power bat against righties. This is (hopefully) the first in a series of moves to address that issue in New York’s clubhouse. Robinson Cano ain’t cutting it.

Perez was DFA’d on Friday by the Bucs, so his acquisition was more of a formality. From the Pirates’ angle, they were surely surprised anyone would give up actual money for his rights. So why the hell not?

On the season, Perez is slashing .150/.209/.318. Given New York’s current catching situation, he’s merely a backup plan.

And that’s been the theme of the Mets’ recent moves — a backup plan. Is it too early to be pursuing such moves, or will the price for these perceived replacement-level talents only go up from here?

Perez is no Willson Contreras, who is also available via trade. However, the Cubs are rightly demanding quite a bit from rival teams, as an All-Star catcher of his level rarely comes available on the trade market, even if Contreras is in a contract year.