NY Mets: Ranking the top 10 trade targets this offseason

1) Jose Ramirez

The number one player the Mets should be looking to trade for this offseason is none other than Jose Ramirez.

The switch-hitting all-star, who signed a four-year extension with Cleveland, is winding down to the final two years of that contract and could be a free agent next year if his club option isn’t picked up. The Guardians, one of the teams hit harder by the pandemic shortened season, shipped off the face of their franchise, Lindor, to the Mets last winter in an attempt to salvage money. Could they do the same this year with Ramirez?

Ramirez has been a consistent bat in the Majors since his breakout season in 2016. That year, the infielder put together a slashline of .312/.363/.462/.825 with 11 homers and 46 doubles. Since then, Ramirez has finished no less than third in the AL MVP voting three times, while bringing home three Silver Slugger awards and three All-Star appearances.

While his primary position has been third base, Ramirez has also manned second base, shortstop and even seen time in the outfield. Again, with the uncertainty around who will be manning the hot corner in 2022, plugging in Ramirez’s bat would be a massive upgrade for the Mets.

The Mets have been linked to a few different infielders, but none with more immediate impact at the plate than Jose Ramirez. It’s also important to note that Ramirez has proven playoff experience. Having appeared in a World Series in 2016, Ramirez hit .310 over 29 at bats.

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With power from both sides and being able to hit for contact, Ramirez would be a perfect bat to infuse offense into a Mets lineup that was decrepit in 2021. The Mets have expressed that they’re not wanting to part with any big names at the top of their farm system, but if they were willing to move a top ten prospect and partner that with a proven Major Leaguer, the Mets would be helping their cause more than hurting it by acquiring Ramirez.