3 Trades Mets Should Make This Summer to Nail a Rebuild
By Parker White
New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen decided to double down and go all-in for the 2019 season. That's admirable for a first time GM, but 55 games in, they are below .500 (27-28), and six games out of the NL East, filled with noticeable holes. Things are going south fast for the Mets, and they might have to consider tearing it down and rebuilding this club, something they probably should've done this past winter. Here are three trades the Mets should make this summer if they want to nail a rebuild.
3. Deal 1B Dominic Smith to Kansas City
With Pete Alonso establishing himself as the Mets' first baseman of the future, that means former first-rounder Dominic Smith is expendable. In a small sample size, Smith is finally showing offensive prowess at the big league level, which is why they should capitalize on his increased value now. Most teams around the big leagues have a first baseman of the future, but the Kansas City Royals are still trying to replace Eric Hosmer. Smith fills that need for KC, and he's shown the ability to moonlight in the outfield if need be.
Royals receive: 1B Dominic Smith
Mets receive: OF Seuly Matias and RHP Carlos Hernandez
2. Trade Zack Wheeler to Yankees
The Mets and Yankees don't have a history of making trades with each other, but they need to forget about the fact that they share a city and make a business decision. Zack Wheeler is set to be a free agent at season's end, and because it's unlikely they'll be able to keep him, the Mets should trade him and get something back. The Yankees need starting pitching help, and grabbing a pitcher in his prime with upside is the way to go.
Yankees receive: RHP Zack Wheeler
Mets receive: RHP Clarke Schmidt and OF Josh Stowers
1. Send Noah Syndergaard Out West
When Noah Syndergaard is rolling and at his best, there isn't a starter in the game more dominant. Thor likes to come off as Mr. New York, but if you haven't noticed, Syndergaard hasn't pitched like the guy who looks like a future Cy Young Award winner in quite some time. A change of scenery might be best for both sides. Syndergaard isn't a free agent until 2022, so the Mets could get a nice haul in return. Who better to get that from than the San Diego Padres, who showed interest in him this offseason and are bursting with young talent and close to contention?
Padres receive: RHP Noah Syndergaard
Mets receive: RHP Cal Quantrill, LHP Logan Allen, OF Buddy Reed and RHP Anderson Espinoza