NY Mets: 3 Cubs trade candidates to consider pursuing

Kris Bryant

Let’s get the big name out of the way first and break down why the Mets should target Kris Bryant. The 4 time All-Star and 2016 MVP is currently in the final year of his contract, and is set to become a free agent for the first time in his career at the conclusion of the 2021 season.

Seeing as the Cubs likely won’t be competing in the postseason, it makes a lot of sense for Chicago to get something for him in a trade for the final 2 months of his contract before he hits the open market.

As for why the Mets should target him in a trade, they need a massive shot in the arm offensively, and Bryant has put together another All-Star season in 2021.

Over 81 games, Bryant has hit .271 with a .351 OBP with 16 home runs and 46 RBI. Stacked up against the rest of the Mets starters, only Pete Alonso has more home runs (17) and RBI (49) than Bryant, and the only starter with a higher average is Brandon Nimmo (.323).

Bryant’s bat would fit into the Mets’ lineup very nicely, and could give the team the boost it needs down the stretch as New York makes a hopeful run at the postseason.

As for where Bryant would play in the field, he is very flexible defensively. while primarily a third baseman, he has also started games for the Cubs in 2021 in all three positions in the outfield, as well as 10 games at first base.

Since the Mets have been without starting 3B JD Davis the majority of the season, and outfielders Michael Conforto and Dominic Smith have underperformed at the plate through the first half of the season, there are several different ways Bryant could hypothetically be inserted into the field.

Obviously a player of Bryant’s caliber may go for a hefty ransom, but if the Mets are serious about contending in 2021, he should certainly be a focal point of any trade talks with the Cubs.

Kyle Hendricks

While the Mets could certainly use another hitter to bolster their lineup, in my opinion, the team’s most pressing need to focus on this deadline is a starting pitcher, and the Cubs’ Kyle Hendricks would certainly fit the bill to sure up the team’s rotation.

While the Mets have a great 1-2-3 at the top of their rotation in the form of Jacob deGrom, Marcus Stroman, and Taijuan Walker, the back end is in desperate need of help at the moment.

The Mets have been without starting pitchers Noah Syndergaard and Carlos Carrasco for the entirety of the 2021 season as the two are recovering from injuries. The Mets are optimistic they could join the team in either August or September, but are no guarantees if they do that they will perform effectively after missing so much time away.

With David Peterson struggling in many of his starts and now on the injured list, as well as Joey Lucchesi out for the rest of the year after undergoing Tommy John Surgery, the team could surely use a steady hand in the rotation to get through the final months of the season.

If the Cubs are open to it, then Kyle Hendricks should certainly be a part of any of the Mets’ potential trade negotiations with them.

An 8-year veteran, Kyle has spent his entire career in Chicago, posting a career average ERA of 3.18. Through the 2021 season, Hendricks has made 18 starts for the Cubs, posting a respectable 3.77 ERA over 105.0 innings, notching a 11-4 record in the process.

He also has significant experience in the post season, having pitched in 12 games (11 starts) over 5 different trips to the playoffs with Chicago, logging a 3.12 ERA.

Unlike Bryant, Hendricks has a few years left on his deal at a very reasonable salary. He is signed through the 2023 season at a rate of $14 million per year, with a $16 million vesting option for 2024 or a $1.5 buyout.

Considering both Marcus Stroman and Noah Syndergaard will be free agents following the season, its an added bonus to trade for someone we can retain for the next few seasons as well.

However, since Hendricks is still under contract for 2 more years after this season, the Cubs may end up being less willing to trade him than Bryant.

It may cost the Mets a bit more to get him than other players on the trade block, but Hendricks could end up being one of New York’s best trade options, and one well worth considering.

Craig Kimbrel

While the Mets don’t necessarily need an extra arm in the bullpen, the Cubs currently have the top closer in baseball in a year where they are likely going to miss the playoffs, and if Craig Kimbrel is on the market, New York should jump at the chance to acquire him.

Overall, the Mets bullpen’s combine ERA sits at 3.92, respectably below the league’s average bullpen ERA of 4.13.

New York’s current closer Edwin Diaz has put together a fine season to this point, posting a 2.86 ERA over 34.2 innings with 48 strikeouts, converting 19 of 20 save opportunities.

However, while Diaz has been great, Kimbrel has been performing at an “Elite” level. After struggling the last two season, Kimbrel is putting together possibly the best season of his career, which is certainly saying something seeing as he is an 8-time All-Star.

Through the first half of 2021, Kimbrel has posted a 0.57 ERA over 31.2 innings with 54 strike outs, converting 20 of 22 save opportunities. As its stands, Kimbrel’s ERA is lower than all other qualified relievers.

Any team with post-season aspirations knows it needs good pitching to make it to the World Series, and if the Cubs are scouting the Mets as a trade candidate, then in my opinion, New York should go “all in” and go after arguably the best closer in the game.

Kimbrel does have a team option in his contract for the 2022 season worth $16 million, so the Cubs can still retain him for next year if they don’t trade him by this deadline, meaning they can negotiate a higher asking price.

While relief pitching isn’t at the top of the Mets needs at the trade deadline, Craig Kimbrel’s talents, along with the likes of Diaz, Seth Lugo, Trevor May, and Aaron Loup would turn their bullpen into arguably the most dangerous in baseball.

Kimbrel may be a tough get and command a high price tag, but for the caliber of player that he is, he should be well worth the Mets front office inquiring about in any negotiation with Chicago.

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