NY Mets top 3 relief pitcher trade candidates from MLBTR’s Top 40

Jun 3, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Richard Rodriguez (48) reacts after pitching to earn a save against the Miami Marlins during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 3, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Richard Rodriguez (48) reacts after pitching to earn a save against the Miami Marlins during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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Mets
May 17, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Ian Kennedy (31) pitches against the New York Yankees during the game at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Mets Trade Deadline Target: Ian Kennedy

Ian Kennedy is a much different pitcher than the other two names on this list. He’s older than me which gives me a sense of relief after noticing earlier this year that everyone on the Mets Opening Day roster was born after I was already home more than three decades ago.

Kennedy doesn’t intrigue me much, but there’s no denying how much he could potentially help the Mets as a bullpen piece.

A name many baseball fans will know from his 15 years in the big leagues, Kennedy is a former 20-game winner who only recently converted to the bullpen back in 2019. His best days are behind him, however, this year has gone well with the Texas Rangers through his first 20.1 innings of work.

Kennedy is striking out batters at a high clip while surely bringing some experience to the bullpen. I love how many younger players the Mets continually add to the roster this year after an offseason where focusing on high-upside talent seemed to be a priority. At the trade deadline, I think it’s perfectly fine to look at some aging veterans. In particular, a seasoned veteran like Kennedy with only one year of postseason experience might bring an edge with him to the Mets.

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The number nine top trade candidate this summer according to MLBTRs, Kennedy would be the cheapest for the Mets to acquire. He’s nothing fancy. However, the 36-year-old might have just enough guts to help get the Mets deep into October.

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