New York Mets: Three trade destinations for Asdrubal Cabrera

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Asdrubal Cabrera
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Asdrubal Cabrera

Where will the New York Mets trade Asdrubal Cabrera? One of these three teams could use him.

It’s late July, and with the New York Mets in the midst of their second straight miserable season. Most likely, in addition to Jeurys Familia, other veterans will be traded for young players.

Asdrubal Cabrera, the most consistent batter for the Mets all year, is in prime position to get traded. The 32-year-old is having the best offensive season of his career, with a slash line of .280/.332/.487 and a career high .820 OPS.

Since Cabrera is an impending free agent, the Mets won’t be giving up much future value. Cabrera can play second base, shortstop, or third base. For this and other reasons, these three teams could look into acquiring the veteran infielder.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies missed out on the Manny Machado sweepstakes and they still have a serious need for an offensively competent infielder. As of now, they have Scott Kingery and his atrocious .616 OPS starting at shortstop.

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Although just a rookie, Kingery sports a -0.6 WAR, meaning he has hurt his team more than helped them overall.

For a Phillies team that surprisingly stands at the top of the division, starting Kingery every day isn’t a path to success. This team needs a spark to surpass the Braves. Cabrera fit in well. Plus, he knows NL East pitchers already.

Milwaukee Brewers

Another team that was interested in Manny Machado, the Brewers could really use Cabrera. They have a big hole at second base.

At second, Milwaukee currently starts a combination of either Hernan Perez or Jonathan Villar. Both of these players have OPS’s under .700, with 12 home runs between them. Cabrera has 16 homers by himself.

Although Cabrera is not a very good second baseman defensively, as his -1.6 defensive WAR shows, his offensive consistency, and veteran leadership would greatly benefit a Brewers club that’s trying to stay ahead in the wild card race.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates have heated up tremendously of late, throwing themselves into the wild card conversation with an 8 game winning streak. If they want to be “buyers” at the deadline, Asdrubal is their man.

The Pirates haven’t had an answer at second base all year, with Josh Harrison, Sean Rodriguez, and Adam Frazier each with 100+ at-bats and little results between them. Cabrera could be the everyday second baseman they’ve been looking for or a switch-hitting power threat from the bench.

If the Pirates are serious about winning this year, lengthening their lineup by adding a quality veteran bat would go a long way.

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