Four Mets trade targets to consider if they are looking to buy

MLB teams are already making trades in early June, hoping to bolster their roster. If the New York Mets hope to contend, they should look at potentially adding these players.

We are approaching the MLB trade deadline and the New York Mets have some obvious needs that should be addressed by July 31st. The bullpen has been one of the league’s worst, the starting pitching hasn’t been great, and third base has been very inconsistent with the platoon of J.D. Davis and Todd Frazier.

To help solve these issues, they, like many teams, can look to add some help via trade.

1) Tanner Roark, Reds SP 

Tanner Roark has spent a majority of his career in a Nationals uniform so the Mets are extremely familiar with him. This season with the Reds, Roark has posted a 4-4 record with a 3.47 ERA. He could be a nice piece to add to the Mets rotation that seems to be struggling at this point in the season.

This move may be more of a long shot trade because this is Roark’s first year in with the Reds, but if the Mets make a good offer with young talent, the Reds may pull the trigger. Cincinnati is amidst a rebuild and receiving young talent for an MLB established veteran pitcher may be something they’re willing to do.

The Mets’ starters own an ERA right in the middle of the pack, but closer to the lower third of all teams. Bringing in a guy like Roark could definitely improve the rotation.

2) Caleb Smith, Marlins SP

A move for Caleb Smith is also possible because of the status of the other team. The Marlins are in a major rebuild and like the Reds, would most likely be willing to trade a guy like Smith for young, projectable talent. He’s posted a 3-3 record for the Marlins with a 3.10 ERA.

Smith’s presence would add another lefty to the rotation, and if the Mets are committed to keeping Jason Vargas in the starting rotation (which they seem to be), Smith could be moved to the bullpen and be a situational lefty or a spot starter/long relief guy.

Getting a player like Smith could strengthen the struggling Mets bullpen which has posted a 4.91 ERA and gives them flexibility if one of their starters winds up on the injured list.

3) David Dahl, Rockies LF

The Rockies outfielder is having a great season so far and is amongst the league leaders in batting average, hitting  .331 with 5 home runs and 20 RBI. Though a lot will depend on where they’re at in the standings, a potential fit for Colorado could be Dominic Smith.

Smith has played very well during his opportunities this season and could see a starting job at first base with another team. The Rockies have Daniel Murphy at first base but he is only signed through 2020, which would create an opening at first base for Smith. The Mets would also need to put young pitching prospects into the deal if they want Colorado to accept.

Dahl could hold down a corner outfield spot for the Mets and Michael Conforto could slide into center field on an everyday basis.

4) Renato Nunez, Orioles 3B

A bright spot for an abysmal Baltimore Oriole team has been third baseman Renato Nunez who’s having a career year. He’s slugged 15 home runs and driven in 35 runs so far and could get a majority of third base playing time with the Mets based on the production they’re getting from that position now.

If Nunez came to New York, Todd Frazier could become a bench player and Nunez and J.D. Davis could be a platoon at the hot corner.

This would be a bit of a high-risk trade for New York because Nunez has been in the league for three years and has never put up great numbers, but he’s doing very well in 2019 and could provide some pop to the Mets lineup.

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