The New York Mets are rolling, but what is scary is they could get even better by Thursday’s trade deadline.
New York was urged to take a big swing and acquire third baseman Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks by ESPN’s David Schoenfield.
The Mets have won seven straight after their sweep of the San Francisco Giants over the weekend and lead the second-place Philadelphia Phillies by 1.5 games. Still, the Mets rank just 10th in the majors in OPS (.733)
Why Do The Mets Need Help At Third Base?
Pete Alonso and Juan Soto have carried New York’s offense over its current win streak, but the Mets’ offense overall has struggled, especially at third base. Mets third basemen, primarily Mark Vientos, are just tied for 15th in wRC+ (91) — for context, 100 is average.
“Lack of production at third is one reason the Mets’ offense has been mediocre rather than very good — they’re averaging 4.38 runs per game, just below the NL average of 4.43,” Schoenfield wrote. “They could use another premium bat, given the lack of production they’ve received from center field and catcher (not to mention Francisco Lindor’s slump since the middle of June).
“Maybe [catcher] Francisco Alvarez’s short stint back in Triple-A will get his bat going now that he’s back in the majors, but going after Suarez to hit behind Juan Soto and Pete Alonso would lengthen the lineup.”
Suarez is the best remaining hitter on the market, despite his 12 errors at third base which is second-most among qualifying players at that position. His 36 home runs trail only Shohei Ohtani among National Leaguers, and his .898 OPS would lead all Mets players — not to mention Mets third basemen.
“Mark Vientos was a huge key to last season’s playoff appearance and trip to the NLCS, hitting .266/.322/.516 with 27 home runs after beginning the season in Triple-A. He hasn’t been able to replicate that performance, though, hitting .224/.279/.354,” Schoenfield wrote. “That has led to a revolving door at third base, with Vientos, Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio starting games there in July. Overall, Mets third basemen ranked 24th in the majors in OPS entering Friday.”
Who Else Could The Mets Trade For Before The Trade Deadline?
Schoenfeld’s story, which laid out the perfect trade deadline for the Mets and their rival Phillies, also suggested the Mets acquire bullpen reinforcements and bring back Harrison Bader.
Bader, who spent 2024 with the Mets and set career highs in games (143), plate appearances (437) and RBIs (51), has already equaled his 2024 total in homers (12) this year as the center fielder of the Minnesota Twins.
“Tyrone Taylor is a plus defender in center and has made several incredible catches, but he’s hitting .209/.264/.306 for a lowly OPS+ of 65,” Schoenfield wrote. “Old friend Bader is having a nice season with the Twins, hitting .251/.330/.435.
“Maybe that’s a little over his head, given that he had a .657 OPS with the Mets last season, but he would still be an offensive upgrade over Taylor without losing anything on defense — and he wouldn’t cost a top-tier prospect. The Mets could still mix in Jeff McNeil against the really tough righties, but adding Suarez and Bader would give this lineup more of a championship feel.
Mets Urged To Trade For Slugging Third Baseman Ahead of Thursday Trade Deadline