3 Mets players the Red Sox could target at the trade deadline

A major trade between the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox seems inevitable considering how often the two organizations have swapped players already under the current regimes. The Red Sox are battling for a Wild Card spot. The Mets first need to remain relevant before we start talking about the playoffs again.

The two clubs have helped each other out in minor ways with Justin Slaten going to Boston being the most impactful move of all. Most recently, the acquisition of utility man Pablo Reyes gives the Mets one more candidate to join the big league roster to provide them with the positional versatility they lack.

In two short months, teams will need to be decisive about whether they’re buying or selling. The outcome of the Mets selling and the Red Sox buying is a realistic one. Who from the Mets roster could the Red Sox target?

1) Pete Alonso

Poor Dominic Smith. He managed to find his way to Boston only to become employed by a team that would have a realistically good shot at acquiring Pete Alonso. Smith was replaced by Alonso as the first baseman of the future in New York. Could it happen again with the Red Sox?

The Red Sox have had trouble replacing several of their injured players. Minus first baseman Triston Casas and also without DH Masataka Yoshida at the moment, the offense has been a bit short. Let’s not forget Trevor Story is on this team although just 8 games into his season his year was done.

A stellar pitching staff helped carry Boston early. While the offense hasn’t been a complete disaster, they could definitely use a guy like Alonso in the middle of the order. Considering how lefty-heavy the lineup is as well, a right-handed power bat should be on their wish list. The Red Sox will have a tough time finding one better than Alonso.

Being able to doink a bunch of doubles off of the Green Monster or soar a few extra home runs over it could do Alonso a lot of favors before heading into free agency.

2) Sean Manaea

Why Sean Manaea over some other players? Truly, any of the tradable Mets relief pitchers could be on this list. So could Luis Severino. All would be welcomed additions to the Red Sox roster. In Manaea’s case, it’s their lack of left-handed starting pitchers that should have him as a desirable piece. The team has yet to have a left-handed pitcher start a game for them all season.

How important it is to have a mix of lefty and righty starters is up for debate. More intriguing for Boston would be Manaea’s abilities. One of the better Mets pitchers this season. His player option for next year is destined to get waived as he’ll look to use his time with the Mets to earn himself a longer and maybe pricier contract in the offseason.

Red Sox fans probably remember Manaea best from 2018 when as a member of the Oakland Athletics he pitched a no-hitter against them. Fortunately, it did take place in Oakland so with the exception of some transplants out in Northern California, it was a day to suffer from afar.

Manaea may fetch the Mets one of their better returns this summer. To help create a more balanced rotation, he’s a candidate for the Red Sox to start scouting closely.