NY Mets: 3 third base trade candidates to consider, 2 to avoid this winter

Jose Ramirez is a little bit more realistic of a Mets trade candidate

Wouldn’t it be something if the Mets could pull off another blockbuster trade with Cleveland this winter? This time, they can start their trade history with the Guardians by acquiring third baseman Jose Ramirez.

Ramirez has been one of baseball’s most underrated hitters for the last several years. He has been a top-three MVP finisher three times with a runner-up placement in 2020. A freshly turned 29 back in September, he’s a guy you can guarantee will hit for power, drive in runs, and do it all with a pretty good batting average.

Ramirez’s contract isn’t exactly going to hold Cleveland back from adding to the roster. He is owed $11 million this coming season with a $13 million payday the following year. These two years of control costing less than what he would get in arbitration makes him an enticing trade candidate for the Mets. It should also have other teams looking for third base upgrades calling Cleveland at all hours of the night or at least sending one of those awkward “you up?” texts.

Unlike Machado, there’s more of a reason for the future Guardians to deal Ramirez. The budget-conscious franchise could get even more for him now rather than waiting another season.

Still, I would put these odds only a little higher than seeing Machado join the Mets. Maybe we’ll get lucky and Francisco Lindor will push the front office to make the reunion happen.