Mets Trade Deadline: Every contender should go after Seth Lugo

Seth Lugo could help out just about every contender this season. The New York Mets need to remain open for a trade.

Hopeful New York Mets fans who want to see the team stay as intact as possible for next season don’t want to see anyone under contract in 2019 get traded at this year’s deadline. I understand it. I don’t agree with it.

Sometimes you have to move a player when their value is at it’s highest. This is the case with pitcher Seth Lugo.

I’ve seen plenty of people argue against selling Zack Wheeler. Unless it’s that they should move him only for the right price, I don’t see the value in keeping him another year. I do believe the Mets can get something nice in return for Wheeler and may get something of equal value back in a possible trade involving the very versatile Lugo.

We view Lugo as a guy who can start or pitch in relief. Based on his recent string of starts before moving back to the bullpen, I suspect many teams would use him strictly as a reliever.

This isn’t horrible news by any means. In fact, it probably makes him a target for more teams. Every contender could use a Lugo in their bullpen.

What’s more, the non-contenders who are eager to compete in 2019 may view Lugo as a possible bullpen need.

A day after we learned the New York Yankees were checking in on Wheeler’s availability, rumors that the Cincinnati Reds were also interested leaked.

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For a team sending three of its four infielders to the 2018 All-Star Game, it would make sense that they begin adding now. A piece like Lugo could help their bullpen immensely. Though their starting staff is far messier than anything else, a multi-inning relief through could also help them climb out from the basement next year.

Even the Cleveland Indians, who practically re-introduced the multi-inning stud reliever when they acquired Andrew Miller, could look at Lugo to help save their sinking bullpen.

Miller has been injured for much of the season and has not pitched particularly well when he has taken the field. As the owner’s of the longest championship drought in MLB, desperation could be setting in. Does this lead to an overpayment for Lugo?

Also in the desperation category, the Seattle Mariners may want him, too. They haven’t even been to the postseason since 2001.

Much like Wheeler, the Mets shouldn’t move Lugo unless someone is willing to give up the goods. I wouldn’t think twice about dealing him if they can land at least one guy ready to make the MLB roster by Opening Day 2019.

Next: 7 prospects the Mets should target in July trades

Anything short of this and I’ll join those hopefuls who would rather see him stay.

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