The New York Mets have averaged just 3.57 runs per game this season, putting them second to last in the majors in that regard – behind only the Pirates. Therefore, we can assume that the team intends to add an impact hitter before the July 30 trade deadline.
SNY’s Andy Martino reports that strengthening third base is a priority for the club and that veteran Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson is a possibility. According to Martino, the Queens Ninth has had “preliminary talks” about it with Minnesota.
With JD Davis and Jonathan Villar on the disabled list, the Mets have been using Luis Guillorme in the hot corner.
In the past, New York has also shown interest in Kris Bryant, who will be able to become a free agent when the season ends. But it’s not a given that the Cubs are going to be salespeople this year.
Donaldson remains a productive hitter, as he has a 132 OPS + with 13 home runs in 64 games in 2021. His four-year, $ 92 million contract with Minnesota will end after the 2023 season. The Mets would likely exceed the Tax limit. of Competitive Balance of US $ 210 million if they acquired the veteran, which could be an impediment, according to Martino. However, Mets owner Steve Cohen has said the team has the financial flexibility to make a move of that magnitude if “the right opportunity” presents itself.
Rival executives anticipate the Mets being one of the most aggressive teams this year when it comes to acquiring talent, according to a report by Jayson Stark of The Athletic. New York remains in first place in the National League East, but the club’s lead over the Washington Nationals is just two games.
The Mets are also expected to look for a starter under contract control. New York’s rotation suffered another casualty Wednesday when David Peterson abandoned his outing in Atlanta with a sore right side. Carlos Carrasco and Noah Syndergaard have missed the entire season thus far, while Joey Lucchesi is out for the rest of the season with a torn left elbow and Jordan Yamamoto is on the 60-day disabled list. for a throwing shoulder ailment.
The Twins’ Puerto Rican right-hander José Berríos would be an option, as he will be under contract until the end of the 2022 season. However, New York would have to offer a big package to acquire the 27-year-old pitcher, and Martino notes that the Mets are reluctant to switch to fancy prospects.
Rangers right-hander Kyle Gibson is the name that sounds the most, says Stark. Gibson has had a breakout season at age 33, leading the American League with a 1.98 ERA in 95.2 innings. His three-year, $ 28 million contract with Texas will end after the 2022 season.
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