Three Mets trade deadline needs we should expect to see this summer

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 28: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Jeurys Familia #27 of the New York Mets in action against the New York Yankees during the second game of a doubleheader at Yankee Stadium on August 28, 2020 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Yankees 4-3.All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

It’s March and already we’re talking New York Mets trade deadline needs. Of course, nobody knows exactly what it is the club will need most. Anything can happen between now and the end of July.

Assuming the club is living up to expectations and contending, we can make some assumptions. The Mets are imperfect. This summer, they will need to make some moves to improve their World Series chances.

Jumping through the first half and all the way to the 2021 trade deadline at the end of July, these three areas will probably need to be addressed.

Mets will need some bullpen help at the trade deadline

I cannot imagine any possible scenario where the Mets are winning baseball games this summer and don’t need a single upgrade in the bullpen. If there’s one role on the roster I would immediately want to see them improve, it’s their relief pitchers.

The trade deadline and trades for relievers are common for a lot of teams. It’s hard to build a successful bullpen. Relief pitchers are the most unpredictable of any position in the game.

Even if Edwin Diaz is elite, Trevor May lives up to his contract, and we get any type of success from Dellin Betances or Jeurys Familia, the Mets are doing to shop for another arm.

The thing about trade deadline shopping for relievers is that they aren’t always the most well-known guys. Every year, there are pitchers that get hot and suddenly become the hot trade target. We should expect the Mets to be in on those guys as well as any available star relievers.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: J.D. Davis #28 of the New York Mets in action against the Baltimore Orioles at Citi Field on September 09, 2020 in New York City. New York Mets defeated the Baltimore Orioles 7-6. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

If the Mets make a big splash, it will likely be for a third baseman

J.D. Davis has a lot of pressure on him this year. The team’s starting third baseman has headlined many offseason trade rumors. The Mets never did make any blockbuster deal to upgrade at the hot corner. This summer, it’s possible they do.

Several factors will come into play to determine whether or not New York looks to make a big trade for a third baseman. Availability is one out of their control. Something they can hold a little tighter to the vest is how Davis performs.

It doesn’t seem as if Davis will do anything more than play third base. The Mets have enough corner outfielders. Unless someone gets hurt, third base is Davis’ position to lose—probably not until the trade deadline.

The great news for the Mets is that there are a lot of options for them. Kris Bryant may still be available. The same could be said for Kyle Seager and just about every other third baseman on a losing team nearing free agency.

I suspect the only third basemen the Mets may add at the trade deadline would be rentals. Although I wouldn’t rule out someone they hold over through 2022, the team will probably only look to fill the position in the short-term. Generally, July isn’t the time to build your team for the next five years. It’s a time to sell off pieces you expect to leave or add ones to help you in the immediate future.

LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 25: Tomas Nido #3 of the New York Mets looks on during the Spring Training game against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on February 25, 2020 in Lakeland, Florida. The Tigers defeated the Mets 9-6. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Mets could be in the market for some catching help

How well will Tomas Nido perform for the 2021 Mets? I have my doubts. The second-in-command behind the dish after James McCann, it’s important he has at least a serviceable season.

Nido is out of minor league options which means if the Mets do decide he’s not fit for the backup catcher spot, they risk losing him. A fine defender, Nido does need to hit a little more consistently for me to feel confident in him.

There’s also one more major reason why we could see the Mets seek catching help this summer. Catchers take a beating behind the plate. If the Mets were to lose McCann to a major injury, an upgrade would be an absolute must.

Major injuries would change all of the needs this summer. Losing any starter suddenly puts them in a spot where they may need to look for help outside of the organization. Based on how their depth looks this spring, I think they have a warm body to fill in nicely at all eight of the starting positions.

The catching spot does have some depth in the minor leagues but not enough to pair with Nido for a long period of time. Keeping McCann healthy will be key to avoid a midseason search for a new backstop. Just as important, we need to see Nido have a career year.

Next. Best trade deadline deals in Mets history

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Home / New York Mets News

Mets will need some bullpen help at the trade deadline

If the Mets make a big splash, it will likely be for a third baseman

Mets could be in the market for some catching help

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