The New York Mets have a lot going for them this season, but they need to step on the gas at the trade deadline.
New York’s lineup has underperformed slightly, and could use a center fielder. But if they’re going to exhaust more resources on the deadline, pitching is the more urgent target.
The Mets’ bullpen in front of closer Edwin Díaz has been overworked, and in late June and early July, that bullpen struggled mightily. The trade for ex-Baltimore Orioles left-hander Gregory Soto was welcome, but more moves can and should be made.
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Might the Pittsburgh Pirates be interested in a major trade involving six total players? That’s what Ryan Finkelstein and Jay Staph of Just Baseball believe is forthcoming.
On Sunday, Finkelstein and Staph predicted that the Mets would land Pirates closer David Bednar and setup man Dennis Santana for a package of infielder Ronny Mauricio, center field prospect Nick Morabito, and pitching prospects Jack Wenniger and RJ Gordon.
“With Diaz, Bednar, Santana, Raley, Soto, Reed Garrett, Ryne Stanek, and Jose Butto, the Mets bullpen would be absolutely loaded,” wrote Finkelstein and Staph.
“Prying two arms may prove to be too costly, especially as the Mets will likely want to stay away from the very top of their farm system for relief pitchers. Still, the Mets can offer a package with a combination of arms to replenish their system and bats that can help sooner than later that could entice the Pirates.”
Bednar broke a two-month streak of not allowing an earned run on Monday night, but still picked up his 17th save of the season. Meanwhile, Santana owns a 1.39 ERA and minuscule 0.84 WHIP in 45 1/3 innings.
Parting ways with Mauricio, in particular, is a risky gambit for the Mets. But it’s the type of gambit a team in win-now mode has to consider.
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