The 4th place 2023 New York Mets (75-87) have disappointed many, coming visibly short of expectations in an all but lost season as a result of a lackluster offense and gruesome injuries. While star closer Edwin Diaz missed all of the year with an ACL tear celebrating team Puerto Rico’s 4-1 victory over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball classic, this blow severely impacted the lineup and roster as a whole. Here’s a look at the 2023 team and why a potential trade for a certain star is making sense and must get done.
Diaz, 29, was nothing short of spectacular in 2022, to sum it up. His 3-1 record with a 1.31 ERA and 31 saves in 62 games played speaks volumes and remains a major factor in why various players had to make up for what was lost. Aside from the lack of quality bullpen production since Diaz was shelved, it was a huge hit to the clubhouse and the players alike, since Diaz’s spark clearly led the way for the team in many circumstances the previous year.
The team had made several trade deadline moves, sending outfielders Mark Canha and Tommy Pham packing. While the team is opting to get younger, with a squad of “baby Mets” such as third baseman Brett Baty, infielder Ronny Mauricio, Mark Vientos, and catcher Fransisco Alvarez. While shifting the dynamic and starting new is clearly for the best, here’s why one particular star free agent could very well make sense in the outfield.
The San Diego Padres have made it clear that star Left Fielder Juan Soto is available for trade. Soto, 25, has had a tremendous career with both the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres. In 2019 with the Nationals, he hit 34 home runs, driving in 110 with a .282 batting average and a .401 OBP.
His rookie season was promising, in that year, 2018, he debuted with 22 home runs, 70 RBIs, a .292 batting average and a .406 OBP.
He’s been great after his trade to the Padres, and last season he’s dazzled, hitting 35 home runs, 109 RBIs along with a .275 batting average and a .410 OBP.
Soto’s 5.5 WAR speaks for itself, as he has plead his case for a team to lock him up long term and pay him the mega deal he rightfully deserves in the long run.
The Mets absolutely need to solidify their outfield and billionaire owner Steve Cohen has the money, and people to make a potential trade for Soto, such as shipping a few Mets, such as José Butto, who was linked recently to an article online in a potential trade partner piece.
The Mets obviously would need to send quite a few top prospects in order to land Soto, however, this really should be a strong consideration of David Stearns’ if the team hopes to be a contender in the coming years.
To put things into perspective, the Mets need to make some adjustments and power moves. They’ve got a huge amount of money to work with, and the team can make Soto in the big apple happen while keeping the core younger guys they currently are starting. It would be beneficial for both sides in the long run.
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