New York Mets can be both buyers and sellers at deadline

Players to sell

Adeiny Hechavarria – One of BVW’s cogs in his plan to build a core of major league ready players to stash at Triple-A Syracuse, Hechavarria has done well in his return to the Major Leagues. He has hit well in the clutch and been excellent in the field as a defensive replacement. A good glove is hard to find, but at 30-years-old, he won’t bring back a top-notch player.

Todd Frazier – The third baseman is in the last season of a two-year, $17M contract signed with the New York Mets during the winter of 2018. He started off this season on the injured list. After a rough start, Frazier started hitting well by the end of May, raising his season batting average to .271 by late June.

He may have cooled off a bit since then, but the Rutgers alum is still a valuable commodity. While Frazier may not be a full-time starter on a contender, he has a power bat that any team could use down the stretch, especially off the bench. Look for the free swinger to go to an American League team where he can also DH.

Jason Vargas – It was a head-scratcher when former GM Sandy Alderson brought back Vargas to Queens two winters ago. His slow start to 2018 and injuries certainly didn’t help matters. The 14 year MLB veteran struggled early this year as well but has turned his season around. Since he came back from the DL on May 25, Vargas is 4-3 with a 3.22 ERA and .637 OPS against in 64.1 innings pitched over 11 starts.

If a team needs a back of the rotation starter, Vargas is a good choice with the way he’s been pitching lately. As we get down to the final week until the deadline, Vargas’ trade value increases. His one hit, eight strikeout performance against San Diego on Tuesday night helped as well. He can bring back a mid-high level prospect in a trade.

Zack Wheeler – Two weeks ago Wheeler was the top trade asset the New York Mets had. Then he went down with a shoulder injury on the 12th. It was the worst possible timing for Wheeler to get injured as it put his trade status in limbo.

Last year was a big bounce-back season for the righty starter. He made 29 starts going 12-7, with a 3.31 ERA. While the 6-4 Georgia native hasn’t been as consistent in 2019, Wheeler still has 130 strikeouts in 119 innings pitched. He threw a simulated game Tuesday. Afterward, Wheeler said he felt good and expects to start Friday night’s game. If healthy, Wheeler may bring a big return to the Mets.