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Mets Trade for NL East Rival Outfielder

At one point, Jesse Winker was one of the biggest enemies in New York, now he's a New York Met.

By Nicholas Rome

Jul 4, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Ildemaro Vargas (14) places a patriotic themed top hat on left fielder Jesse Winker (6) after hitting a home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 4, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Ildemaro Vargas (14) places a patriotic themed top hat on left fielder Jesse Winker (6) after hitting a home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports / Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
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A few years ago, Jesse Winker and the New York Mets had a friendly rivalry as Winker's wave to Mets fans after making a game-winning catch ignited the beef. The New York Native tipped his hat to Mets fans, and in a way endeared himself to the fanbase.

Winker now has a chance to become a beloved figure in New York as the Mets acquired the veteran outfielder from the Washington Nationals.

This season, Winker is batting .253 with 11 home runs, 44 RBIs, 14 stolen bases, and a .788 OPS. The deal is purely a rental as Winker is playing on a one-year deal worth $2 million.

This is a massive move for the Mets as the team desperately needed a left-handed hitter to balance this lineup. The Mets had been searching for a left-handed corner outfielder to add to this team as they were reportedly linked to Michael Conforto.

A few months ago, the Mets looked dead in the water as the team was near the bottom of the standings and couldn't get out of their way. The team has since turned everything around, as they're 55-49 and clinging onto the final wild-card spot in the National League.

Mets Gearing up for a Potential Postseason Run

Thus far, the Mets have brought in Ryne Stanek and Jesse Winker, and it's easy to see that the moves likely won't end there.

The team still has a few needs after Kodai Senga hit the injured list, starting with the bullpen. The fact that the Mets are even buyers at the trade deadline is incredible. The team started slowly and showed it didn't have plans to compete this season.

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