New York Mets: Top 10 outfielders to consider adding this winter

The Stars

4. Marcell Ozuna, Free Agent

Marcell Ozuna is widely considered to be one of the more dangerous power hitters in baseball. The two-time All-Star’s bat would immediately make the Mets one of the best home run hitting teams in the sport.

Despite struggling with injuries, Ozuna finished last season with a .241 average and 29 homers. His career best season in 2017 saw him blast 37 homers and 124 RBI as a member of the Miami Marlins.

On the downside, Ozuna has a history of injuries. There are also reports that he could command a contract as high as $160 million over seven years. While he is past the point in his career where he can fulfill the role of a long-term centerfielder, Ozuna’s potential as a hitter is enough to consider a deal.

3. Mookie Betts, Trade

A trade acquiring former MVP Mookie Betts would help the Mets ascend into the top tier of World Series contenders. However, he ranks third on this list due to the treasure chest of players the team would have to sacrifice in order to acquire him. Make no mistake, Betts is an absolute superstar. Even during a “down” 2019 season he still posted 29 homers with 16 steals and a .295 average.

SNY has speculated that a potential deal for Betts would require parting ways with Brandon Nimmo, Steven Matz, and two of the Mets three top prospects (Ronny Mauricio, Andres Gimenez and Brett Baty).

Considering how much the Mets have already traded away in their pursuit of winning, a trade for Betts would mortgage the team’s future for many years to come.

2. Charlie Blackmon, Trade

Here’s a name that hasn’t been thrown around very much! Depending on the asking price, he may be worth acquiring this offseason.

Charlie Blackmon is 33 years old. He also transitioned to a full-time spot in right field after playing primarily center field throughout his career. While there are a few red flags, there is also reason to believe that the asking price could be affordable.

Despite defensive concerns, Blackmon remains an elite hitter. He finished 2019 with a .314 average and 32 homers. He is also a career .304 hitter with an average of 26 home runs per season.

If the price is right, Blackmon could be the perfect complement to Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil.

1. Starling Marte, Trade

Starling Marte is the only name on this list that checks every box. He isn’t too old to be a long-term option (31 years old). He is an All-Star caliber hitter with a multi-time Gold Glove-winning defensive ability. He is also a career center fielder who won’t require nearly as high an asking price as a player like Betts.

Mets would thrive adding a player who hit .295 with 23 homer and 25 steals to their roster. While there is some concern about whether or not the Mets have the necessary pieces to swing a deal, the team should consider any possible avenue to make this trade happen.

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After all, if there is any General Manager in baseball creative enough to figure out a trade, it’s Brodie Van Wagenen.