{"id":104623,"date":"2025-07-23T01:13:19","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T05:13:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=104623"},"modified":"2025-07-23T01:13:19","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T05:13:19","slug":"mets-trade-deadline-targets-center-field-bullpen-rotation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/07\/23\/mets-trade-deadline-targets-center-field-bullpen-rotation\/","title":{"rendered":"Mets Trade Deadline Targets: Center Field, Bullpen, Rotation Help"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the New York Mets added Juan Soto<\/a> to their roster following a pennant race in 2024, they still failed to address some of their other glaring holes. David Stearns made a flurry of moves similar to the prior offseason, finding players who fit his analytical, cost-efficient strategy. Clay Holmes<\/a> and Frankie Montas<\/a> were brought aboard to help the rotation, along with Griffin Canning<\/a> to provide depth. For the bullpen, the Mets brought back Ryne Stanek<\/a> and signed former Brave A.J. Minter<\/a>, who went down early with a season-ending shoulder injury. The team failed to adequately address the potential for injuries \u2014 an issue that has once again become a major problem. To fill the void left by Harrison Bader<\/a>, Stearns traded for Jose Siri<\/a>, an elite baserunner and defender with a below-average bat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, the Mets are well over .500, but simply watching the games reveals deeper issues. The team lacks volume throughout the lineup. When Francisco Lindor<\/a> and Pete Alonso<\/a> aren\u2019t in career-worst slumps, they, along with Soto and Brandon Nimmo<\/a>, carry the offense. Stearns has said the team won\u2019t pursue outside options at third base, but didn\u2019t rule out outfield additions. Siri has played in just 10 games with only one hit, leaving Tyrone Taylor<\/a> as the team\u2019s lone true center fielder.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pitching side is even more concerning. At one point, the Mets had the best team ERA in baseball, but have since dropped to eighth. They currently have nine impactful pitchers on the injured list between the rotation and bullpen, though Kodai Senga<\/a> and Sean Manaea<\/a> recently returned.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the Mets looking to improve their current flaws, here\u2019s what the perfect trade deadline could look like:<\/span><\/p>\n

The Mets’ Dream Trade Deadline<\/h2>\n

Addressing the Center Field Question<\/strong><\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n

Mets get:<\/b> CF Luis Robert Jr.<\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>White Sox get:<\/b> No. 14 SP Blade Tidwell<\/a>, No. 20 C\/1B Chris Suero<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Luis Robert hasn\u2019t had the type of season the Chicago White Sox would hope for when trying to move him at the deadline. The former top prospect was untouchable in past years due to his upside \u2014 elite baserunning, great fielding, and power at the plate. But in 2025, that bat has fallen off. He\u2019s currently hitting .206 with a .636 OPS and a 78 OPS+. That said, he\u2019s been heating up lately, slashing .364\/.400\/.576 with a 1.023 OPS over his last 10 games.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Luis
Jun 24, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) catches Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Jose Herrera\u00d5s (not pictured) RBI sacrifice fly ball during the seventh inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the Mets, Robert wouldn\u2019t cost as much as his former price tag. A package centered around Blade Tidwell and another lower-tier top-30 prospect might get it done. Tidwell had a brief stint on the major league roster and posted a 9.00 ERA through 15 innings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Robert is under team control through 2027, giving the Mets a capable center fielder for the next few seasons until a prospect like Carson Benge<\/a> or Jett Williams<\/a> is ready. He would be an immediate upgrade over Taylor, and a change of scenery could help his production rebound.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reinforcing the Rotation and Bullpen<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n

<\/b>Mets get:<\/b> SP Mitch Keller<\/a>, RP David Bednar<\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>Pirates get:<\/b> 2B Luisangel Acu\u00f1a<\/a>, No. 6 OF Ryan Clifford<\/a>, No. 30 SS\/3B Colin Houck<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Believe it or not, Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar<\/a> is back to All-Star form. The two-time All-Star struggled early in 2025 and was sent down<\/a> to Triple-A Indianapolis. Since returning in mid-April, Bednar is 14-for-14 in save opportunities with a 1.36 ERA, 44 strikeouts in 34 innings, and a 2\u20133 record. He\u2019d give the Mets a high-leverage option before Edwin D\u00edaz<\/a>, offering a different look with a high-90s fastball and curveball as his secondary pitch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

David Bednar last 21 games:<\/p>\n

20.1 IP
\n0.00 ERA
\n26 SO pic.twitter.com\/eLr2BFUM2D<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 StatMuse (@statmuse) July 23, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n