PORT JEFF, NY – It’s too hot outside to dilly-dally, and with the MLB Trade Deadline on the horizon, things are heating up even more. Every year trades are made that just don’t make any sense. Below are some thoughts for the NYC teams, as per today’s headline: MLB Trade Deadline Preview: Mets and Yanks
Mets’ Needs/Predictions
It’s no secret what the surging Mets need… bullpen help. In my opinion, the Mets need three relievers to go along with Edwin Diaz. A few names stand out:
–Michael Kopech of the White Sox. The Chisox are looking towards next year and, perhaps, beyond. Kopech was once a Top 10 prospect in a stacked Sox organization and has legit stuff to be an effective late inning reliever under the tutelage of Jeremy Hefner.
–Jason Adam of the Rays. The next reliever New York should target is Adam. Despite being just 3 games back of the last Wild Card, Tampa Bay always does something around the deadline. With Adam having two more seasons of club control, the price may be a bit steeper. But with the ultimate goal of sustainable success, a reliever like Adam could help the club for the next two seasons.
–Detroit’s Jason Foley. I’ve saved the best for last. If the Mets feel like they have a legit shot of making some noise in the postseason, they should inquire about Foley. With the Tigers fading more each day, they should consider moving their star closer. In return they’d get a package of prospects to further help their seemingly never-ending rebuild. Foley, 28, is a legit lock-down reliever and would give the Metros someone who can not only help them this year but for years to come.
Yankees’ Needs/Predictions
Over the past few weeks, the Yankees needs have become painfully obvious. The Bronx Bombers’ offense had suddenly gone silent. Aside from Judge and Soto, no one is hitting. Third and first base have been dark holes for a few seasons, and they could look to upgrade this time around. Not just this season, either.
Ryan McMahon of the Rockies would be a seismic get for the Yankees. McMahon signed a contract extension with Colorado in 2021 and would help the club for the next 5 years. McMahon is one of the most underrated players in all of baseball. In addition to his bat, he is as good as they come at 3B and would also provide another lefty bet in Yankee Stadium. The Rockies have been in purgatory since moving franchise cornerstone Nolan Arenado in 2021 to the Cards. while also sending 50 million dollars in the deal, the Yankees would obviously have to give up some highly regarded prospects. But if not now, when? Juan Soto is a free agent at the end of the season. The Orioles will only get better. The time to strike is now.
Aside from McMahon, the Yankees could go a few different routes. They could call up the Cubs and inquire about Cody Bellinger & Ian Happ, or get a stopgap type piece such as Luis Rengifo or Taylor Ward of the Halos.
That’s it for me. Feel free to weigh in below and come back tomorrow for Aristotle “Mugsy” Sakellaridis.
