Mets: Looking at some trade possibilities with the Athletics

Is there a trade between the New York Mets and Oakland Athletics that could work?

Since I don’t think the New York Mets will be looking to spend any more significant money on available free agents, the team will probably look at some trades to complete their roster. I think we are all in agreement that the Mets need to continue to improve their roster if they plan to make the 2020 playoffs and compete for a championship.

In my continued search through all MLB teams rosters to find teams that would be good trade partners for the Mets, I’m looking for ways to upgrade the Mets in all aspects. Hopefully, the front office pulls the trigger on a smart trade or two that would look make us a better team.

I know I sound like a broken record, but the bullpen still needs fixing. Considering the Oakland Athletics would possibly be willing to reunite with Jed Lowrie, he’s a “must” in any trade. Also, the A’s seem to be looking at add some starting pitching to their rotation.

As I take a look at the current 40-man roster in Oakland, there are some players that could be acquired that make perfect sense for the 2020 Mets. With the moneyball playing A’s always looking to have the most efficient roster as possible, let’s look at some of the possibilities.

But as I continue to mention, it seems likes Brodie and his Santa helpers are destined to show everyone that their 2019 free agent nightmares are made of dreams in 2020. It doesn’t leave me a warm and fuzzy kind of feeling.

Joakim Soria

I have always been a fan of Joakim Soria, starting when he was closing games for the Kansas City Royals. He has had such a solid career and so under the radar.

Over 703.1 innings he has pitched to a 3.02 ERA and 1.116 WHIP to go along with his 221 saves. Not that saves really mean anything, but from 2007-2011, he was one of the best relief aces in the American League.

Now at age 35, he is more of a setup guy type, not as dominant as before, but definitely able to give you a solid 70 – 75 relief innings. If he can come close to replicating his 2019 WHIP of 1.029 and his 10.3 strikeouts per 9 innings, that would be extremely helpful to a 2020 Mets bullpen.

Yusmeiro Petit

The former Mets farmhand, Yusmeiro Petit has worked hard over his long career and has turned himself into one of the best long-man/middle relief pitchers in the American League. I don’t think the A’s would want to trade Petit, so I guess this would be wishful thinking.

But if they could find a way, I think he would be able to provide the type of pitching to be an extremely successful long man/middle reliever for the 2020 Mets.

When first glancing his career numbers they look just ok (3.99 ERA) but when you look a little more closely, he can be a dominant pitcher as his 1.160 WHIP would indicate. His 0.807 WHIP in 2019 was outstanding and seem to be getting better in age, just like a fine wine.

Franklin Barreto

At the moment, Franklin Barreto is penciled in as the starting 2020 Oakland A’s second baseman. A solid minor league performer for the A’s, he projects as an extremely solid utility man, who can play practically everywhere on the field. Barreto may eventually turn into a Joe McEwing type that can play all positions except catcher and pitcher.

Add 10-15 stolen base potential to go along with 10+ home run type power, I think Barreto would be a great depth piece, just in case of any injury to Cano, McNeil, Rosario on the infield and being a useful pinch runner at the later innings of games.

Now that we see which players we would want to target in a trade, who would the Mets be able to trade to obtain either some or all of these players?

There are four who stand out most: Robert Gsellman, Jeurys Familia, David Peterson, and Jed Lowrie.

Looking at both sides, I think the most realistic trade may be:

I would like to also find a way to obtain Petit, but I don’t see the A’s letting go of that valuable arm without adding some more players in return. I think both teams would benefit from this trade. The Mets shed the Lowrie contract and add a solid righty to their 2020 bullpen in need.

Want your voice heard? Join the Rising Apple team!

Write for us!

What do you think would be a good New York Mets/Oakland Athletics trade this offseason?