NY Mets rumors: Surplus infielders viewed as Eugenio Suarez backup plans for one team

The New York Mets aren't sellers in this year's trade deadline drama, but they could end up stealing a scene anyway. While teams jockey over Eugenio Suárez like he’s the last TV on Black Friday, an unexpected twist has emerged: the Mets’ crowded infield might secretly hold the key to another contender’s plan B. As teams weigh pricey offers and last-minute moves, a few Mets players could be the unexpected wildcards.

Buster Olney recently listed the Mets and three of their infielders, Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, and Luisangel Acuña, as potential Plan B options for the Reds if they miss out on Suárez. With the deadline approaching, the Mets’ infield surplus could quickly become a key factor for teams scrambling to adjust their rosters. In other words, Plan Mets might be the backup that shakes up the deadline.

The Mets’ infield depth is drawing unexpected trade interest as the deadline looms.

If there’s one player who feels like he’s circling the departure gate, it’s Mark Vientos. His name came up earlier in the week when the White Sox reportedly showed interest in him as part of a Luis Robert Jr. package. That deal didn’t happen, but it’s a telling signal that Vientos is on radar screens across the league. Since returning from the IL on June 27, his overall numbers have been underwhelming, but a strong recent stretch, capped by a grand slam against the Padres on Monday, could be enough to spark a deal.

Meanwhile, Brett Baty is starting to look less like trade bait and more like part of the plan. He’s hitting .279 since late June with solid on-base numbers, and his overall comfort level at the plate has noticeably improved. There’s been no buzz around him, which feels less like an oversight and more like a decision.

Luisangel Acuña has recently popped up in trade talks too, with reports linking him to the White Sox in a potential deal involving Luis Robert Jr., adding another intriguing option in the Mets’ infield mix. Other teams clearly see his upside, even if the Mets have yet to fully tap into it.

If David Stearns decides to deal from surplus, Vientos makes the most sense, and it wouldn’t have to be just for prospects. Whether its bullpen help or an outfield bat, the Mets could flip an expendable infielder for a piece that helps them win now. It’s the kind of deal that upgrades one area without downgrading another.

Buster Olney’s mention of the Mets as a Plan B option might fly under the radar, but it’s a signal worth watching. With Vientos showing recent trade potential and Baty gaining steam, the Mets’ infield depth isn’t just extra, it’s valuable currency. This isn’t about desperation; it’s about smart moves that keep the Mets competitive and flexible as the deadline approaches.