New York Mets: 5 Players That Could Be Traded At The Deadline
Jul 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (21) reacts after being called out on strikes in the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Trading Duda at some points this season seemed extremely unlikely as he looked to be an anchor of the Mets lineup for many seasons to come in the middle of the order. After a breakout 2014 when he hit 30 home runs to go with 92 RBI, Duda looked like he was on pace to be one of the better sluggers in baseball. But, he has not progressed as the Mets had hoped this season, as his batting average, on base percentage and slugging have all dropped off this season thus far.
It is tough to judge Mets’ position players this season with the injuries they have suffered, as they were using lineups that more resembled a Triple-A team than a major league one. But, Duda was being counted on to produce regardless, and he just hasn’t yet. He slumped big time in June with a .187 batting average, and has continued his downward slide in July, hitting .108 thus far in the month.
While the drop in RBI can be attributed to no one getting on base ahead of him, there is no way to really pinpoint his rise in strikeouts and drop in walks and power. At 29 years old and no one to compete with for playing time, Duda should be increasing his stats but instead they are going in the opposite direction.
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Duda is probably not a player the Mets will actively shop, but he could be someone they entertain offers for if the right deal comes along. By trading Duda, they could move Michael Cuddyer to first base, opening up a spot in their outfield to add try and add an impact bat. Maybe they won’t need to trade for one, and could call up one of their top hitting prospects in Michael Conforto.
By trading Duda, the Mets could theoretically upgrade multiple spots; whoever they trade him for should be an upgrade at whatever spot he plays, and Conforto could be an upgrade over Cuddyer in leftfield.
Also, while Cuddyer’s bat may not have the pop that Duda has, he could make up for it in the field. While Duda is a negative fielder at first base, Cuddyer has been a plus on at that spot in his career. With how poor the Mets defense and offense has been this season, the Mets could seriously consider making this change if they receive a package they feel is worthwhile to move Duda.
Next: Injured Young Stud