4) 3B Trevor Plouffe, Minnesota Twins
There’s no guarantee Jose Reyes is on the roster for the remainder of the season. The Mets are trying to win a championship, not have a lovey-dovey reunion with Reyes. Baseball is a business, and if Reyes doesn’t perform, he could find himself without a job in the near future.
Plouffe isn’t arbitration eligible until after the season ends, and could man third while Wilmer Flores continues in a super utility role. The 30 year old is no star, but he’s provided at or above league average production over the past two seasons (2.5 WAR in 2015 and 3.9 WAR in 2014). Plouffe has posted an unimpressive .252/7HR/27RBI line this season, but a change of scenery and better lineup could benefit him.
Plouffe wouldn’t require elite prospects in return, but a decent haul would be necessary for a player arbitration eligible for the first time. The Mets have several shortstops and outfield prospects they could deal from (Gavin Cecchini and Wilmer Buccera to name a few).
If Reyes performs, the Mets are likely to stay put at the hot corner. Should he falter, the last place Twins could look to flip Plouffe for youth.
