From the start of the season to right before the All-Star break, the Mets have shown that not everything is perfect. They have stopped hearing rumors about trading their players away and now listen to rumors that they will buy before the trade deadline. If they decide to continue buying, there are certainly some urgent issues that should be addressed first.
What The Mets Should Go After Before The Trade Deadline
A Simple Reliever
The Mets had already bought a “simple reliever” when they decided to trade for Phil Maton. However, the Mets could use more of these relievers. Many trade rumors are about big trades, including closers or fireballing pitchers who have significant control of the strike zone. However, the Mets could also be simple by going after a reliever who is not a star but is still good enough to make a significant impact in a position where he needs to do well.
An Outfielder
The situation is not very pressing in the outfield for the Mets; however, they still have struggling players who are not a pretty sight to see. Ben Gamel and DJ Stewart remain the usual backup outfielders for the Mets, while Tyrone Taylor, Harrison Bader, and Brandon Nimmo are the normal starters. Taylor, Bader, and Nimmo have been great this season. However, Stewart and Gamel have done this season, with both batting below .200. When Starling Marte returns from injury, one of these outfielders could soon be gone, but that does not solve the entire problem. The Mets would love to trade for another outfielder more capable than Gamel and Stewart, but they would also love to back up Marte, who gets injured more than New York would like to see.
A Star Reliever
With the return of Kodai Senga, the Mets most likely do not need to trade for a starter. Of course, the Mets could still do that; however, David Stearns is most likely more interested in relievers. There are many relievers out on the trade market, so New York can trade for one. But what about a star reliever for New York? The Mets could certainly use one, as many teams could; however, the Mets possess only a few stars in the bullpen.
Dedniel Núñez and Edwin Díaz have highlighted much of the success in the bullpen, with Nunez being excellent with control of the strike zone and Diaz starting to look like himself again. Nunez has struck out 36 this season while walking just 5. Meanwhile, Diaz is starting to get better with his pitches. However, only having two relievers that can shut down a team could be deadly. The Mets are determined to secure a star reliever to bolster their bullpen. Just in case where both Diaz and Nunez are not available.
However, having only two relievers who can shut down a team could be deadly. The Mets would love to have help from another star reliever in cases where Diaz and Nunez are unavailable.
Overall, the Mets have many things that could need fixing. They also have some options as they try to secure a wild card spot this season.
Main Photo Credits: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
