NY Mets: 3 Cubs trade candidates to consider pursuing

Following Saturday’s doubleheader against the Pittsburg Pirates, the New York Mets currently sit at a record of 47-39, 8 games over .500 and good enough for 1st place in the NL East.

While the Mets are a first place team, they only have a 4 game lead in the division, and the team does have a few holes to fill, particularly with many key hitters still struggling at the plate and a few holes in the starting rotation.

With the July 31st trade deadline less than 3 weeks away, the Mets are expected to actively be pursing a trade partner to help bolster the team as we head down the stretch, and as reported earlier this week, the Cubs have been sending scouts to scope out the Mets’ farm system.

Chicago is currently 3rd place in the NL Central, with a record under .500 and 8.5 games out of first place. With many of their key players set to be free agents following the season, they appear to be “sellers” at the deadline this season, and apparently view the Mets as a trade partner.

After looking at the Cubs roster, they have 3 ideal trade candidates the Mets should consider pursuing.

Granted, this is all just speculation, and it will take a few factors for the Mets to make a deal happen with Chicago.

The Cubs may have a high asking price for their talent, or another team may offer them more for a particular player, or even bring in a third team to help sweeten the deal. And of course, salary and pay roll is always a factor that is seldom talked about in trade negotiations.

However, assuming the Mets and Cubs can come to terms on a trade and adequate compensation, here are 3 players that New York should consider targeting in a trade package.

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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Which of these players would you like to see the Mets trade for?