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New York Mets: What To Expect As Trade Deadline Approaches

By Michael Addvensky

Mar 12, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New Jersey governor Chris Christie (left) with New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson (middle) and owner Fred Wilpon chat during the game against the Washington Nationals at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New Jersey governor Chris Christie (left) with New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson (middle) and owner Fred Wilpon chat during the game against the Washington Nationals at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /
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Just like this time last season, the New York Mets are fighting for a playoff spot. However, with the 2016 MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, the team isn’t expected to make as much noise at the deadline as they did in 2015.

Earlier this week, New York Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson told reporters that he doesn’t foresee his team making any big moves before the trade deadline on August 1. He didn’t rule out making any trades at all, as assistant GM John Ricco actually predicting there would be a trade made, but Alderson did acknowledge that it would be tough to acquire a starting pitcher or position player without giving up significant prospects.

It’s widely believed that Alderson and the Mets front office consider shortstop Amed Rosario and first baseman Dominic Smith to be their top two prospects. When Alderson traded for Yoenis Cespedes last July, he gave up starting pitcher Michael Fulmer, who was considered one of the best prospects in the entire organization, but without an immediate spot in the rotation. Fulmer is currently having a standout rookie season for the Detroit Tigers. This time around, it’s unlikely that the Mets give up any major prospects at the deadline.

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Realistically, the Mets don’t need another position player right now. The signings of James Loney and Jose Reyes have really paid off for them and have filled the holes at first and third base.

Injuries to Lucas Duda and David Wright created the need for Alderson to sign Loney and Reyes, who had limited markets for varying reasons. There’s not really one position that the Mets could upgrade at without giving up anything significant. Don’t expect them to get a position player.

Pitching is somewhat of a different story. Ever since Matt Harvey went down with a shoulder injury a month ago, Logan Verrett has been serving as the team’s fifth starter. Given that Zack Wheeler is expected to be back sometime before the season is over, it probably isn’t worth it to try and acquire another starter.

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Wheeler is in the late stages of his recovery from Tommy John surgery. If he can come back healthy, he could potentially help the Mets in the postseason should they make it. That being said, it’s very unlikely that they trade for a fifth starter unless someone else in the rotation goes down with an injury.

This leaves the bullpen. This is the one area that you can expect the Mets to try and upgrade at. They don’t need a closer, as Jeurys Familia has had a very good season. He’s yet to blow a save in 36 opportunities this year. The eighth inning is manned by Addison Reed, who has also had a great year. He has a 1.91 ERA and a WHIP of 0.85.

What the Mets could use to improve their bullpen is one more solid relief pitcher. If they can acquire a guy that could be a good seventh inning pitcher, then they’d really be set. Two pitchers that are reportedly on the Mets radar are Will Smith and Jeremy Jeffress, both of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Jeffress has 23 saves this season and has pitched to an ERA of 2.18. He would certainly be a smart option for Alderson to target. Another reliever to look at is veteran Los Angels Angels closer Huston Street. With the Angels in last place in the AL West, it looks like they’ll be sellers at the trade deadline. He would be a good addition to the Mets bullpen even though he would not supplant Familia as the closer.

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The Mets might get one or two relief pitchers, but nothing really more than that. Alderson doesn’t have the same pressure as he did last season to make a trade, so don’t expect the Mets to do anything flashy come August 1.

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