Latest NY Mets-Red Sox trade idea involves right idea, wrong Boston player

The latest New York Mets-Boston Red Sox trade idea from ESPN's David Schoenfield -- a straight-up swap of Brett Baty for Wilyer Abreu -- is unrealistic for at least three reasons.

That doesn't mean the Red Sox wouldn't be interested in Baty, however. It's just that the Mets would have a much easier time convincing Boston to hand over Jarren Duran, and ultimately, Duran would be a better fit than Abreu in Queens, anyway.

A Jarren Duran-Bretty Baty trade makes sense for Red Sox, Mets

Baty's defensive versatility aligns with what Boston's been on the hunt for since letting third baseman Alex Bregman slip through their fingers.

Baty can give you third base reps, and he can also play first, another position of questionable depth for the Red Sox, with Triston Casas' backup status reliant on a clean bill of health.

While Baty's left-handed bat isn't what Boston would prefer, they'd likely still be happy with taking on his defensive value and upside at 26 years old ... but not for Abreu.

Abreu is a two-time Gold Glover who has shown flashes of awesome upside at the plate in his first two seasons in Boston. In short, he's a superior young asset to Baty, and Boston wouldn't be foolish enough to give up Wilyer for Baty in a 1-for-1, even if doing so would relieve the Red Sox of their never-ending outfield logjam issue.

Speaking of which, why not re-imagine this trade from Schoenfield with Jarren Duran inserted into the deal for Baty instead of Abreu?

Boston would be far more interested in giving away Duran (they've been reportedly listening to offers on him for some time), and Duran would be a better fit on the current Mets depth chart than Abreu, too.

Abreu would be a starting outfielder for the Mets and would completely block New York's top prospect Carson Benge from any opportunities moving forward, especially considering Abreu's four years of team control ahead of us.

Duran, 29, has one less year of team control remaining, and he's much more flexible positionally than Abreu, making him a possible "bridge" to Benge's major-league entrance, whereas Abreu would simply be a blockade.

Duran could start his Mets career in left field as the Mets let Benge grow into his everyday role. Moreover, Duran makes more sense as a sometimes DH for the Mets than the Gold Glove Abreu.

Thus, a Baty-Duran swap makes more sense for the Mets and Red Sox than Schoenfield's original idea. Duran's time in Boston has felt like it's coming to a close for months, and this could be the deal that makes it happen.