5 right-handed hitters other than Austin Hays who seem to match recent NY Mets rumors

4) Yandy Diaz

The Tampa Bay Rays are the toughest team to figure out. One day they’re signing Cedric Mullins and Steven Matz. The next day they’re trading away Brandon Lowe and Shane Baz. They’re their own worst enemy at times. Why not just add or subtract?

It’s hard to know if Yandy Diaz is actually available or not. It would make sense for them to deal him after already subtracting other players, but with some brought in and paid big boy dollars, there’s justification to keep him around, too. If they are trading him, Diaz remains a fit for the Mets.

Already a first baseman who has transitioned into being more of a DH, his presence on the Mets would put added pressure on Polanco to succeed at first base. He can still carry a part of the duties at the position. And with third base in his history as recently as 2023 when he won a batting title, he’ll be someone to use there in an emergency.

Diaz profiles well as someone we could assume the Mets would want. He hit .300 with 25 home runs last year. He doesn’t strike out a lot and walks better than the average player. Everything about his offensive abilities scream “solution” for what the Mets could be aiming to do. Because he is a questionable trade candidate, he could come at a cost they’re not comfortable with.