As the 2024 season reaches its midpoint, the New York Mets are at a crossroads, weighing whether to sell or buy ahead of the trade deadline. Despite holding a subpar record, they remain within striking distance of a wild card berth. A strategic trade could potentially tip the scales in their favor. Here are two potential moves they could make:
Sell: J.D. Martinez
The Mets brought J.D. Martinez on board with a short-term contract this offseason. While he has performed reasonably well for the team, Martinez, now 36, is nearing the twilight of his MLB career. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season and his age becoming a factor, it’s unlikely he’ll secure a long-term deal. Other teams in contention might be interested in bolstering their offense, particularly those with strong pitching but lacking in offensive firepower. Given Martinez’s respectable performance this season, the Mets could potentially fetch a valuable return in exchange for the veteran slugger.
Sell: Jeff McNeil
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Although many teams might not be willing to risk it for Jeff McNeil, some might still believe in the former National League batting champion. Just two years ago, McNeil was essential to New York’s success. The Mets were able to put together a magical season in 2022, where they went 101-61. Jeff McNeil has shown signs of breaking out and looking like his old self again, but the Mets have grown tired of his struggles. With Jose Iglesias and Brett Baty having a chance at second base, McNeil is not guaranteed the job. The Mets will likely not bring in a big haul by trading him, but they might let him go to lessen the stressful situation in the infield.
Buy: Luis Robert Jr.
Acquiring Luis Robert Jr. might be a stretch, but considering the Mets boast a solid lineup from top to bottom, any trade they pursue should aim for star-level talent rather than settling for mediocrity. Despite having Starling Marte, whose contract is expiring, the Mets could explore trading outfielders to secure Robert Jr., a move that could significantly bolster their chances of success. In return, the White Sox could receive a cache of prospects from the Mets, aligning with the Mets’ surplus in that department while aiding the White Sox in building for the future.
Buy: Jose Altuve
Judging by the situation at second base, the Mets could use a good second baseman from a team that might sell. Jose Altuve is a long-time Houston Astro, but is 34 years old and can bring in a large haul. The Astros, like the Mets, can still grab a wild card, but in the American League, the Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles are among the teams they must compete with. If the Astros were to sell, they would probably trade one of their older players like Altuve. The Mets could, of course, use Jose Iglesias and Brett Baty for second base if McNeil cannot come around, but the Mets also might want some more power, which Altuve provides.
Overall, if the Mets were to buy or sell, they would look to either improve for the future or try to improve now. A trade in either direction for the Mets could bring them to a whole other level this season or maybe even the next few seasons to come.
