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New York Mets: Chris Heston No-Hitter Should Be Last Straw For Offense

By Kenneth Teape

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After Tuesday night’s debacle against the San Francisco Giants when Chris Heston threw a no-hitter against the them, it is time for the New York Mets to make some changes and get some bats into this lineup.

It has been no secret that the New York Mets offense has been lacking all season. With a dominant pitching staff, the Mets have been able to keep themselves afloat. But with what happened Tuesday night, it didn’t matter how well the pitching staff, Noah Syndergaard on this night, did, as San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Chris Heston threw a no-hitter. That is a new low point for the Mets offense this season, and should be the last straw. The time is now to go and get a bat to improve this lineup and get them closer to the potential of the pitching staff.

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On Tuesday, the Mets were absolutely mowed down by Heston. Oddly enough, the Mets have two chances with men in scoring position as Heston hit three batters, but that was all they were able to get off the Giants rookie. He didn’t walk a batter either to go with 11 strikeouts as the Mets offense was thoroughly embarrassed tonight.

If there wasn’t enough of a reason for GM Sandy Alderson to make a move, what happened Tuesday night should be what makes it happen. The nice thing for the Mets is that they have the assets to pull of a trade not only for a stopgate sort of player, but a potential difference maker as well.

First off, the Mets should call the Oakland Athletics and see what it would take to get a deal done for Ben Zobrist. The Mets have already shown interest in the Athletics utilityman, and he would fit in right away at second base to help offset the loss of Daniel Murphy. His versatility would allow the Mets to mix and match daily, as he can also playing shortstop, left and right field. Even in a pinch, Zobrist could man first base or centerfield as he also has some experience playing there.

Jun 5, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Oakland Athletics second baseman Ben Zobrist (18) at bat during the 4th inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

For Zobrist, the Athletics couldn’t expect much in the way of a package. He is 34-years old and struggling this season as he works his way back from a DL stint for knee surgery. Zobrist was zero for his last 17 when this article went to press, so his value is about as low as it ever will be. This should be when the Mets pounce, as they will have to send over even less assets. If his career numbers are any indication, Zobrist should bounce back with solid production giving a nice power of speed and power in the Mets lineup lacking both.

Zobrist cannot be the only player the Mets get, or they are wasting what has turned out to be one of the strongest starting rotations in the major leagues. If the Mets really want to fix their problems offensively, they have to make a splash in the trade market. To make that happen, the Mets have to find out what is truly wrong with David Wright. There seems to be some conflicting reports as to how injured he is and where he is at with his recovery. Some are worried it is career threatening, while Wright believes he will be able to come back. It is imperative the Mets figure that out, because if Wright is to be sidelined they have to go out and add some talent.

Cincinnati Reds’ third baseman Todd Frazier should top that list. He would bring a huge upgrade to the Mets’ lineup, as his power would be a welcome sight. On the season, Frazier is batting .289 with 17 home runs, 37 RBI and six stolen bases. He also provides solid on-base percentages, and would slip perfectly into the two, three or four hole in the Mets lineup that was occupied by Ruben Tejada, Lucas Duda and Michael Cuddyer on Tuesday. Not exactly the most intimidating group, as only Duda can be counted on for constant production thus far.

Jun 4, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier (21) throws out Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Ben Revere (not pictured) on a bunt attempt during the fifth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The cost for Frazier will not come cheaply though, as he has a very team friendly contract, is an All-Star caliber player and is under team control for a couple more seasons. That is enough for the Reds to ask for one of those pitching talents we keep talking about. The question would be, are the Mets willing to part with them?

Right now it seems the Mets are only willing to part with Jonathan Niese and Dillon Gee. They would be be lucky to get a low end prospect for either of them, and even a player like Zobrist will not be had with either of them being the main piece of a package.

If the Mets truly want to make a splash, they should engage the Cubs. The Cubs have an embarrassment of riches for position players, but are lacking in the pitching department. That makes them a perfect match for the Mets, who are rich in pitching but lacking in hitting. Both teams are right on the cusp of contending, and a trade with each other could push each one to that next level. With a deal of that magnitude, the Mets would have to go in with an open mind, willing to listen on any player, something that they have proved they are unwilling to do thus far.

After Tuesday’s putrid performance though, the organization should be changing their stance. The offense has hit rock bottom, and while they will wait for players such as Travis d’Arnaud and Dilson Herrera to return, the only way the Mets will truly reach that next level will be to make a splash in the trade market and get that impact bat.

Next: Are the Mets in the Top 10 of our Power Rankings?

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