3 Mets injury concerns they should have on their mind at the trade deadline

The New York Mets don’t need to upgrade their whole roster just because someone has a minor injury. They should, however, have a clear understanding of how ready the team is or will be for the final two months of the season.

After August 2, the Mets will have fewer resources to improve themselves. This means taking the health of their current players into consideration and also their history of injury.

While it isn’t a must-add situation, Billy Eppler should have these three players on his mind when looking for major or even minor additions at the trade deadline.

1) NY Mets need to be sure Jacob deGrom is healthy

Perhaps the most important injury concern of all comes from the staff’s ace. Jacob deGrom has yet to pitch a major league game this season. That should, hopefully, change.

deGrom’s recent injury history should keep the Mets a little more on edge. Even if he is able to return, what’s to stop him from landing back on the IL? With this at the front of mind, they need to decide whether or not what they have outside of him is enough—just in case.

It’s a tricky situation. The Mets don’t want to trade for a starting pitcher then get into a situation where they run out of room on the roster. Stashing a starter in the bullpen isn’t a terrific solution. Given the fact that the playoffs only really require a four-man rotation, the Mets are already in pretty good shape.

One thing the Mets could consider doing is buying a little more depth. A starting pitcher with minor league options wouldn’t be such a bad idea. Tyler Mahle and Kyle Freeland are two that come to mind. Although not necessarily improvements over the guys they currently have, trading for either would be similar to last summer’s acquisition of Trevor Williams. The Mets were able to shuttle him down to Triple-A and only promote him when there was a need.

The Mets can be one of the best teams in baseball even without deGrom. A hypothetical playoff rotation of Max Scherzer, Taijuan Walker, Christ Bassitt, and Carlos Carrasco should work. Even Williams or David Peterson could step into the role.

Preferably, they don’t have to. deGrom comes back and stays healthy.

3) NY Mets could buy a catcher if James McCann isn’t better

Catcher James McCann has handed over the starting role to Tomas Nido this year if only because of how much time he has missed. Upgrading the catcher spot has been something many Mets fans have dreamed of. At this year’s trade deadline, a deal for Willson Contreras would be the biggest swing for the fences the front office could possibly make.

Is it realistic? The hefty price tag on the Chicago Cubs All-Star catcher might make him too expensive for what the Mets are willing to give up. Their only chance might be a limited market of teams looking to add at the catcher spot.

Then comes the possibility of Contreras working poorly with the Mets pitchers. It’s an upgrade to think about but not so necessary. The Mets can survive with any weak-hitting duo they have available behind the plate. As long as they can play the position well, most fans will accept the .200 batting average and occasional RBI.

McCann’s injury should, however, push the Mets a little harder to look at reaching a little higher for an improved offense. Knowing the chances of bettering this spot in the lineup is slim, they need to do everything they can to make the DH they do trade for as talented as possible.