While the New York Mets’ first half of the season has been very strong, there is still time to go. Over the past few years, the Mets have built a reputation for collapsing in heartbreaking fashion towards the end of the season.
In their last four games, the Mets have scored just nine runs. This is an underwhelming total, especially for a team that has been one of the best in baseball thus far. Their lackluster offense as of late is an issue that needs to be addressed. At the trade deadline, the Mets are expected to be active. In fact, trade season has already begun, with the Mets making the first two moves.
- The Mets are expecting a six-time all-star to join the team on Friday
- The Mets’ young catcher is set to be out for two months
- Mets could get All-Star slugger back vs. Cardinals on Friday
Mets Trade Twice with Pirates
The Mets began their first of two consecutive swaps with the Pirates Friday night by acquiring slugger Daniel Vogelbach. While he will not be the final solution to their problems, it is a good start. Vogelbach has struggled mightily against lefties, posting the single worst WRC+ in the major leagues against them thus far. However, he has been elite against right-handers. His 149 WRC+ against them ranks him top-15 in baseball.
Mets reliever Colin Holderman was swapped for Vogelbach. Holderman has been stellar thus far for the Mets, posting a 4-0 record in 15 outings this year. He has also maintained an ERA of 2.04 through 17.1 innings. While this is a difficult loss for the Mets, this also indicates that they will likely make further trades to bolster their bullpen in the future.
Trading for Vogelbach is only the beginning for the Mets. With an active front office headed by owner Steve Cohen and general manager Billy Eppler, fans should keep their eyes peeled for upcoming moves.
The Vogelbach trade should prove to be a good move nonetheless. He will likely only bat against right-handed pitching but provide great use in these situations. In addition, this acquisition likely means the end of Dominic Smith’s tenure in Queens, a transaction I advocated for in a recent article.
In addition to Vogelbach, the Mets traded for catcher Michael Perez in exchange for cash considerations. This is not a headline move in the slightest. Following an injury from catcher Tomas Nido last night and with starter James McCann on the IL, the Mets were in need of immediate help. Perez should fill this role. He is primarily a defensive catcher. This year, he is only slashing .150/.209/.318. The acquisition was an emergency move to provide the Mets with immediate depth. Perez’s offense is far from a priority.