The New York Mets will have to determine whether or not they will become buyers or sellers in the trade market. At the moment, the club is last in the National League East. Nevertheless, New York has won seven of its last 10 games, including a three-game win streak since promoting top prospect A.J. Ewing. Assuming this trend continues, top team exec David Stearns should strengthen his squad.
Offense would seemingly be a good place to start for Stearns. After all, the Mets are averaging just 3.74 runs per game on the season. Despite this, SNY’s Chelsea Janes believes New York will go in another direction. According to the reporter, the addition of Ewing and the emergence of Carson Benge should help prevent New York from bringing in a new slugger. Janes also points out that several currently injured Mets hitters should return to the lineup fairly soon.
Instead, the Mets are more likely to target a relief pitcher. The team previously brought in closer Devin Williams to shut the door late in games. Nevertheless, Williams has posted a 5.27 ERA in just over 13 innings of work. He has, however, looked much better in recent outings and has not given up a run in his last seven outings.
Even with Williams on the rebound, the Mets’ bullpen could use some reinforcements. Janes is predicting that New York could target Toronto Blue Jays reliever, Jeff Hoffman. The 2024 All-Star was previously his team’s closer, but lost the job due to inconsistency issues. As a result, Toronto could look to move Hoffman this summer.
New York Mets Could Be Solid Bet to Land Jeff Hoffman
GettyJeff Hoffman is averaging 15.4 strikeouts per nine innings in 2026.
Hoffman would likely receive plenty of attention around the league if he were available. Nevertheless, the New York Mets should be in a solid position to make a good offer to Toronto. As Janes points out, the Blue Jays are likely looking for additional starting pitching. After all, the American League team has combined to record just 11 total quality starts on the campaign.
Starting pitching just happens to be an area where New York has plenty of options. So far this season, the Mets have used eight different starting pitchers. This list does not even include Sean Manaea. The veteran pitcher has typically been used as a starter throughout his career. New York could seemingly package a deal using an extra starting pitcher, along with possibly a prospect, to acquire Hoffman.
New York Also Facing Outfield Logjam Soon
As well as predicting an upcoming trade, Janes also touched on a potential upcoming headache for the New York Mets. With Ewing and Benge firmly set in the team’s outfield, there could be a positional logjam coming. As of now, superstar slugger Juan Soto will receive the most playing time in the third outfield spot. However, things could change when Luis Robert Jr. returns from injury.
The SNY reporter believes that once Robert Jr. is back, Soto will likely receive more time as the Mets’ designated hitter. Soto has previously proclaimed that he prefers to play in the field every day, though. It remains to be seen if the Mets would be willing to offload Robert Jr. and go with their outfield of the future right now.
Mets Predicted to Target Trade for Blue Jays Pitcher