MLB Trade Deadline 2021

 The MLB trade deadline is upon us, the last time the Mets did something was six years ago, wait, six years is a long time. But it also helped them make the World Series.

The Mets have the same situation now, we have a glaring problem in the offense, (you were expecting me to say a position, right? NO! The whole offense sucks). Let’s run down the team.

Catcher: Wouldn’t make sense, we didn’t spend 40 million in the off-season just to trade him.

First base: No, Pete’s there.

Second base: Jeff McNeil is a great bat to have, so that isn’t a spot I’m looking at improving, but if the opportunity presents itself, I’m fine with upgrading at second or even trading McNeil.

Shortstop: Interesting position. We have a top prospect, Ronny Mauricio, coming up the pipeline at short. But we also have Francisco Lindor there. Lindor’s not going anywhere because, in sports, you have 100% confidence in your money. So, no.

Third base: This is the position we need to attack. With Joey Gallo and Adam Frazier off the board already, we’re left with Kris Bryant and Trevor Story. Trading for either one of these players will certainly mean trading Ronny Mauricio or JD Davis, another prospect or major leaguer, and some cash. Apart from trading for one of these players, we could develop Mauricio at third or second.

Left field: If Dom Smith was producing like he was in 2017 or 2018, I would trade him first. But he’s not, he’s one of the studs in our lineup offensive-wise. So, no.

Center field: Brandon Nimmo is not going anywhere.

Right field: I have faith in Michael Conforto, and he’s not going anywhere.

Starting pitcher: I’m totally fine with getting another starting pitcher. The only reason I’m saying this is because I’m betting on injuries. That sounds so morbid but with what’s going on this year, you have to. But then again, we have DeGrom, Syndergaard, Stroman, Carrasco and Walker in a healthy rotation. Syndergaard isn’t coming back until August but it’s stupid trading for a starter for a month, especially when Tylor Megill is pitching as well as he is.

Relief Pitcher: I’m always down for relief pitching options. Our bullpen has been great but very shaky. So if we can get a stabilizer, like a veteran or a fireballer, I’d love it.

Now, let’s run down the remainder of baseball and the trade deadline.

The Rays acquired Nelson Cruz and I’m happy for them. Even though that defeats the purpose of a low payroll, getting a beefy bat will help them in the dangerous AL East.

The Mets got that pitcher that they need, Rich Hill to help stabilize the rotation.

The Padres acquiring Adam Frazier makes their infield arguably the best in baseball: Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Adam Frazier and Eric Hosmer.

Andrew Chafin and Kendall Graveman were both traded and I totally support that move for the recipients, not so much for the teams that traded them. I totally support moves for relief pitching, relievers are underrated.

The A’s trading for Starling Marte, they came into the deadline looking for a medium bat and they got exactly that if not more. Also, the Marlins shed some salary by acquiring Jesus Luzardo which makes their bullpen very young and very scary.

I feel like if Kris Bryant doesn’t go to the Mets, he might go to the Giants because they’re in the same position the Mets are in.

As I’m writing this, it is reported that the Padres are close to acquiring Max Scherzer from the Nationals. This is a perfect fit for the Padres as they’re trying to include themselves in the NL West race. Also, the Dodgers might get Scherzer because they want to solidify themselves as the main threat in the NL West.

Trevor Story isn’t going to the A’s because I feel like the A’s have expended their deadline juice. I don’t know where he’s going but not the A’s. Maybe the Yankees. But he’s going somewhere because the Rockies want to get something for him. If they don’t, then he suffers until the end of the season and leaves that dumpster fire of a team.

Where could Craig Kimbrel go? The Astros or the Red Sox would be perfect. That would make Astro pitching so much better or create the two-headed monster of Matt Barnes and Kimbrel. Like what I was talking about above, this is exactly what the Mets need. A good veteran pitcher who will make the bullpen more trustable.

I will do another blog after the deadline.