Skip to content

Five trade targets the New York Mets should focus on right now

Chris Thompson
Five trade targets the New York Mets should focus on right now 4
Apr 13, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; General view of a helicopter flyover during the national anthem before an opening day game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Tony Watson (44) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Pirates LHP Tony Watson

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]t 31-years-old, newly Pirates anointed closer Tony Watson has been a great reliever for six seasons now. During his career, he’s compiled a 2.56 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and an 8.0 K/9 rate.

[sc name=”Mets Link Related” link=”elitesportsny.com/2016/12/16/new-york-mets-five-moves-that-would-strengthen-the-bullpen/” text=”New York Mets: Five moves that would strengthen the bullpen” ]

Watson was handed the closing job last August after the Bucs traded then sandman Mark Melancon to the Washington Nationals. He ended 2016 with 15 saves and a 3.06 ERA, largely succeeding in his new found role.

If Sherlock Holmes’ partner – ‘Watson’, get it? – were to come to the Mets, he would fill two areas of need. Not only would he immediately strengthen the weak Josh Smoker and Josh Edgin-led lefty group, but he would give TC another late game option to help fill in while closer Jeurys Familia is likely suspended.

The main obstacle standing in the way of a deal getting done, though, is Pirates GM Neal Huntington, who turned down MLB.com‘s #3 and #38 prospects in Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez respectively from the Nationals in exchange for aging center fielder Andrew McCutchen earlier this offseason.

So while this may not be likely, if something could be worked out, the Mets ‘pen would be forever grateful.

[sc name=”Mets Link Slideshow” link=”elitesportsny.com/2016/12/30/five-trade-targets-the-new-york-mets-should-focus-on-right-now/5/” text=”A former Cardinals closer” ]
Chris Thompson
Chris Thompson

Chris recently graduated with a Journalism degree from Montclair State University. Baseball is his love and he hopes to bring back some of the old-school popularity to the game.

Chris Thompson covers the NY Jets and NY Mets for Elite Sports NY. You can interact with him on Twitter @Time2Topher.