The MLB non-waiver trade deadline is less than a month away, and the New York Mets could be in the mix for reinforcements.
Okay, there may not be another Yoenis Cespedes-type trade on the horizon, but the New York Mets have plenty to think about as the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline approaches.The Mets have been battered by injuries this season. There’s a chance some bench players could be acquired as insurance policies, but GM Sandy Alderson could explore other options. What if the organization has had enough of Travis d’Arnaud‘s health problems and sees a long term answer at the catching position?
Jose Reyes is being paid the minimum by the Mets this season. There’s a realistic chance that if he doesn’t perform, he could be released by the end of the month. A trade for a full time third baseman then becomes possible, pushing Wilmer Flores back into a super utility role.
The bullpen has been good this season, but not great. Newly acquired Antonio Bastardo has been wildly inconsistent. Outside of closer Jeurys Familia, no one else in the bullpen has the potential to dominate. While the ‘pen is probably good enough to get to October, the Mets don’t plan on just qualifying for the postseason. A late inning upgrade isn’t out of the question.
We examine five players that could be shipped to Queens before the deadline.
A Little Relief
5) LHP Sean Doolittle, Oakland Athletics
Athletics GM Billy Beane knows Sandy Alderson well. The two linked up last summer when Tyler Clippard was shipped to New York in exchange for prospect Casey Meisner. Don’t be shocked if Alderson targets the A’s bullpen again this month.
Doolittle is owed just $7 million over the next two seasons, with two team options for $6 and $6.5 million in 2020 and 2021 and just a $500k buyout per option.
Antonio Bastardo has not shown any legitimate consistency outside of April, leaving Jerry Blevins as the only reliable lefty. The 29 year old Doolittle has pitched to a 2.93 ERA in 30.2 innings this season. He’s a nightmare for left handed batters, holding them to a .152 average and .302 slugging percentage.
Doolittle wouldn’t come cheaply, as his team friendly deal, reliable performance metrics(career .246 FIP), and age make him an attractive trade chip. However, the struggling A’s could look to flip their most valuable bullpen asset for prospects.
The Hot Corner Man
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.
Side Arm Slinger
3) RHP Brad Ziegler, Arizona Diamondbacks
We mentioned previously that the Mets bullpen is good, but not dominant. Adding a reliever with closing experience can only help fortify the bridge to Jeurys Familia.
Arizona shocked the baseball world signing Zack Greinke and acquiring Shelby Miller in a blockbuster trade with Atlanta this past winter. To make a long story short, the Diamondbacks big offseason hasn’t yielded the results they were looking for. The outcome could mean they find themselves as sellers when comes the deadline.
What’s one of the least important positions on a losing ball club? The closer, as evidenced by the Phillies’ offseason trade of Ken Giles to Houston. Ziegler has pitched to a solid 2.82 ERA in 38.1 innings this season, racking up 18 saves after recording 30 in 2015.
Ziegler shouldn’t have too hefty of a price tag. He’s 36 years old and a free agent the season. However, multiple teams should have interest if Arizona decides to put him on the trading block which could drive up the price. Regardless, the Mets could look at Ziegler to bolster the bullpen.
A Harvey Replacement
2) RHP Jeremy Hellickson, Philadelphia Phillies
You read that correctly. The Mets acquire a starting pitcher? From the rival Phillies?
Matt Harvey‘s DL stint combined with Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz‘s bone spur concerns mean the Mets could be in the mix to add an arm at the deadline. Logan Verrett has performed admirably as a swingman, but is better served coming out of the bullpen. Zack Wheeler‘s return is cloudy at best, leaving the Mets with rotation concerns.
The 29 year old Hellickson is a free agent after the season, and has pitched to a decent 3.92 ERA in 2016. He’s going to pale in comparison to some of the other arms the Mets have, but would serve as a reliable insurance policy if one of the starters goes down before the month ends.
Hellickson’s career 4.36 FIP won’t be attractive in free agency, and he’ll be looking to improve his stock with free agency looming. Joining a contender could also jumpstart his performance.
The rival Phillies won’t be excited about helping their New York counterparts, and could hold a high price tag for Hellickson’s services. However, the Phils need to cash in on prospects as they continue their rebuild.
The Top Dog
1) C Jonathan Lucroy, Milwakee Brewers
There has been widespread speculation that Lucroy is a fit for the Mets. Even though Travis D’arnaud has returned, there is still the possibility of a trade. The Mets might not be sold on D’arnaud as their catcher of the future, and could make a move for Lucroy, who can be kept under team control for just over $5 million dollars next season.
The 30 year old is just two seasons removed from a stellar 6.7 WAR campaign. His current .302/.359/.484 slash line suggests he’s bounced back from an injury riddled 2015 and ready to contribute. Lucroy is also solid behind the plate, throwing over 27% of runners for his career.
Between now and the trade deadline, there’s a chance D’arnaud lands on the DL again; he’s been that fragile thus far. Even if he is healthy, the Mets could look to deal him and acquire Lucroy. Win-now teams make win-now moves.
Given the Milwaukee backstop’s contract, production, and age, a high price tag is imminent. A package starting with Zack Wheeler probably garners the interest of the Brewer front office.
Anything can happen between now and July 31st, but keep an eye on these five as the month’s end nears.