NY Mets rumors: A Brett Baty trade destination, Alex Bregman, another Yankees battle

Day one of the MLB Winter Meetings led to—well nothing much around Major League Baseball. The days leading up to the event were far busier. What we did get from were several MLB and New York Mets rumors worth having some sort of feeling about.

No major trades have happened yet, however, we can see where Mets rumors could be lurking even if unspoken. The Los Angeles Angels, as an example, are open to a change at third base. A player like Brett Baty could fit well as an option for a team trying to strike gold next season, but doing so a little blindly.

Exactly what the Mets could get for Baty is the debate. Not long removed from being a top 100 prospect, his struggles at the major league level to hit consistently should have his value cratering. One final minor league option left will have him in a state of do or DFA this coming year.

How realistic is it for the Mets to sign Alex Bregman?

It never seemed all that realistic for the Mets to sign two players who rejected the qualifying offer. Could they actually end up with Alex Bregman in addition to Juan Soto?

Bregman’s market appears to be somewhat similar to that of Pete Alonso. There are teams who could use a player at his position. Despite coming off of a somewhat down year, there should be belief in a possible turnaround. The con for each is how well they’d age by the end of their contracts.

For the Mets, the obvious disadvantages remain with Bregman. Two additional lost draft picks would further help wipe away the organization’s plan to build a farm system. It just doesn’t make much sense to pay a third baseman on the decline around the same amount you’d pay your fan favorite first baseman who, even in a down year, is going to challenge for 40 home runs. Plus, Alonso doesn’t cut into your future draft plans.

The Mets can win another battle over the Yankees with a Garrett Crochet trade

Not done yet! According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Mets are one of the more determined predators when it comes to pulling off a trade for Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet. Acquiring him would completely change the vibe around a rotation that at the moment needs a bit of a kick.

I’d have my doubts about pre-ordering a Crochet Mets jersey this holiday season. Other ball clubs can surely make a better offer than what the Mets should be willing to part with. 

But wouldn’t it be fun if the Yankees really wanted him and he ended up with the Mets instead?

The two New York clubs aren’t the only ones going after Crochet who feels like the most desirable and available starting pitcher this offseason. Each team should have one major trade in them this offseason with some thought of holding onto their best chips for next summer’s trade deadline.