The Los Angeles Dodgers are getting Max Scherzer and Trea Turner from the Nationals. The Milwaukee Brewers brought All-Star infielder Eduardo Escobar. The San Diego Padres brought shutdown reliever Daniel Hudson and are rumored to be interested in starter Jose Berrios. Yes, the New York Mets traded for pitcher Rich Hill, but they could still improve the rotation to give it more depth and certainty, and bring a star infielder.
The Mets remain engaged with the Chicago Cubs for infielder/outfielder Kris Bryant, who would not only give them an exciting slugger to complement the lineup, but would also represent a huge defensive upgrade over JD Davis at the hot corner.
However, another Cubs’ infielder appears to be on the Mets radar: It’s Javier Baez, who said this week that he would like to play with fellow Puerto Rican shortstop Francisco Lindor.
Since Lindor is injured, Baez would be a stellar fill-in, and once the former returns from his oblique strain, Baez could slide over to second base, moving Jeff McNeil to third base.
A Mets – Cubs trade is still a possibility
A combination deal sending Kris Bryant or Javier Baez and pitcher Zach Davies to the Mets is “one possibility,” according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, who noted, however, that nothing is close at the moment.
SNY’s Andy Martino reported earlier this month that Davies could be a fit for the Mets. He is not having a particularly good season, however, and is no better than most of the options that New York currently have.
The Colorado Rockies could also be a tempting trade partner for the Mets. They remain open to trading All-Star shortstop Trevor Story, but are now reportedly reluctant to deal starter Jon Gray and reliever Daniel Bard.
Berrios, and perhaps Kenta Maeda, could also be options for the Mets as they look to make a statement and protect their first place in the NL East division.