The Mets need to acquire another bat

By Andrew Patten

It’s no question that the Mets must acquire another bat if they want to make another World Series run. With key injuries to David Wright, Lucas Duda, and the uncertainty that Travis d’Arnaud can stay healthy, the Mets have a few holes to fill if they want to repeat as National League champions and hopefully a World Series championship. So who is out there that could possibly end up in Queens? Let’s explore some options.
Jonathan Lucroy- C Milwaukee Brewers.

This is a name that has been mentioned a lot. Lucroy has proven to be one of the best catchers in baseball. So far this year Lucroy is hitting .303 with 9 homers and 29 RBI. He also have an OBP of .362 and a SLG of .512 and has a very friendly contract. Mets fans at this point feel as though Lucroy should be the number 1 tarde target for Sandy and his crew. However, the Mets haven’t given up on Travis d’Arnaud being the starting catcher.The Brewers are a team rebuilding and would most likely want a MLB ready pitcher. Zack Wheeler has been mentioned as the guy the Mets would send to the Brewers. I think it’s unlikely that the Mets will get Lucroy, but then again I didn’t think they would get Yoenis Cespedes.

My Potential Trade: Mets: Jonathon Lucroy C

Brewers: Zack Wheeler P, Gabriel Ynoa P, Kevin Plawecki C
         2. Danny Valencia- 3B Oakland A’s

The Mets are going to be without David Wright for a while. Wilmer Flores will be holding the fort for now but he’s not the solution. Valencia is having one of the best season of his career. Valencia is batting .335 with 10 HR 24 RBI .381 OBP SLG .581. The Oakland A’s are not going anywhere this season and with the season Valencia is having, there is no doubt that he will be on the move. Valencia is making $3.15 million this year and is arbitration eligible next year. Oakland is also in a rebuild and will most likely be seeking prospects.

My Potential Trade: Mets: Danny Valencia 3B

A’s: Gabriel Ynoa P, Gavin Cecchini SS, Cash
                3. Logan Forsythe- IF Tampa Bay Rays

A name that no one has mentioned is Logan Forsythe. He is putting up solid numbers in the Bay with a .292 AVG 4 HR 14 RBI .375 OBP .429 SLG. He is very versatile playing all of the infield positions for the Rays. Forsythe is making $5.75 million this year and $8.5 million next year. While he is more of a 2B he has the ability to play 3B. The Rays are currently in 5th place in the AL East and with Boston, Baltimore, and Toronto in a 3 way race, it is unlikely that they will be contenders. When the Rays have had success it was because of their pitching. If the Mets ask what the price for Forsythe I see Tampa asking for some pitching prospects.

My Potential Trade: Mets: Logan Forsythe 2B, Cash

Rays: Robert Gsellman P, Gabriel Ynoa, Gavin Cecchini
        4. Yangervis Solarte- 3B San Diego Padres

 The Padres traded James Shields to the White Sox signaling that they are sellers. Solarte is putting up solid numbers for the last place Padres with a .284 AVG 4 HR 17 RBI .383 OBP .506 SLG. He has played in New York City before starting his career with the Yankees. He is making $525,500 this year and is arbitration eligible for the next 3 years. San Diego is rebuilding and will want prospects. I also think the Mets could get a bullpen arm that can give them innings. When Wheeler comes back Colon will be the odd man out and will be the long man in the bullpen but the Mets will also give him spot starts. I think it wouldn’t hurt to add another arm in the pen that can give you innings. This could be a situation where the Mets can do just that. 

My Potential Trade: Mets: Yangervis Solarte 3B, Carlos Villanueva RHP

Padres: Gavin Cecchini SS, Rafael Montero RHP, Seth Lugo RHP