MLB's most unpredictable team remains a perfect NY Mets trade partner

Innovative thinking can always be appreciated even if it's not your team coming up with the ideas. MLB’s most unpredictable ball club, the Tampa Bay Rays, are always searching for the new untraditional way to win games. A common trade partner of the New York Mets over the last few seasons, they line up yet again for another trade.

Upon the signing of Cedric Mullins, the Rays were forced to clear a roster spot to make room. They DFA’d a top 30 prospect in order to make space.

Although the prospect, Yoniel Curet, might be someone David Stearns is captivating by adding via waiver claim and seeing what he can offer, the bigger goal should be to make a trade. Like usual, the tight purse strings of the Rays and the deep pockets of the Mets can work together to improve both ball clubs.

The Rays have an incredible amount of trade possibilities for the Mets to start talking about

The Mets and Rays swapped Joey Gerber for cash in early November and those types of deals are always going to be on Stearns’ radar. Let’s think bigger.

Everyone making over $10 million this coming year on the Rays roster is a Mets match. This long list includes Yandy Diaz and Brandon Lowe. Even with Marcus Semien occupying second base, the Mets can get creative with Lowe as a first base or DH option. His contract runs out after the 2026 season.

Either one could be a pivot away from Pete Alonso. The simplest kind of swap would begin with a young Mets first base or second base option. Something like Mark Vientos (controllable and cheaper) or Luisangel Acuna is a good start to a conversation.

More intriguing are the pitchers. The Rays don’t have any pitchers getting paid a whole lot. There is far too much value in what each of them can do (and control) for them to realistically sell them short. Drew Rasmussen, who was drafted by Stearns, would be the guy we can expect to maybe go on the trade block in the future. He has an $8 million club option for the 2027 season.

Starting pitcher salaries are projected to be just under $20 million for the Rays next year. Their relievers are at a little over $18 million. Someone like Griffin Jax could be someone the Rays look to turn into something else. Although acquired at last year’s trade deadline, his projected $3.5 million salary might be less appealing if they’re looking to save some dollars.

The Rays can offer the Mets even more possibilities. They have more left-handed hitting outfielder than they know what to do with. None are perfect for what the Mets would look for to replace Brandon Nimmo, but a few of them might not be bad to have as a platoon partner of Tyrone Taylor in center field. Utility man and Brooklyn native Richie Palacios doesn’t have a standout skill other than being able to play multiple positions. Tristan Peters, a draft pick by Stearns in 2021 who was later traded in 2022, might be the more realistic piece. He had a good year in Triple-A, hammering 15 home runs while hitting .266. He worked regularly as a center fielder. There's also ex-Mets prospect Jake Mangum who seems to have lost some footing with the Mullins addition.

There are an abundance of opportunities for the Mets and Rays to work out a deal. Unfortunately, the Rays wear the best poker faces in baseball. What’s their desire anyway?