3 players who could be traded after Carlos Correa signs and where they could go

2) The Mets may not see enough playing time for Eduardo Escobar anymore

A natural fit to get traded with Correa on the Mets roster is Eduardo Escobar. The old third baseman for the Mets would move to the bench in a trade. There is playing time for him, but maybe not enough for the Mets to justify keeping him around. Which teams should look at Escobar as a possible answer for a position of need?

The answer is so obvious. The Chicago White Sox definitely have an opening at two of Escobar’s primary positions. As either the starting second baseman or third baseman, Escobar is an improvement for them. He adds some flexibility and brings power to the lineup.

Coming up with a trade involving Escobar to the White Sox is a little more complicated. It would require another piece if we’re looking at Liam Hendriks as the trade target. Previously rumored to be someone the Mets have looked at, he and Eloy Jimenez would be the available White Sox players to target.

If it’s only Hendriks, the White Sox might accept a deal if they can add Mark Vientos or Ronny Mauricio as well. Each is expendable for New York. Both can help out in 2023.

Adding Jimenez complicates things. Escobar, Vientos, and Mauricio might not even be enough. What about Kevin Parada? Although not prepared to reach the big leagues this year, a package of Escobar, Vientos, and Parada for Hendriks and Jimenez might be something closer to completion. It does raise a question as to where Jimenez plays. Does he push Mark Canha or Daniel Vogelbach to the bench?

Canha and Vogelbach are two less likely trade candidates, but reasonable ones to look at. This last player is definitely getting moved.

3) The Mets need to trade Darin Ruf for anything they can get

There isn’t much exciting about a Darin Ruf trade. It’s purely done for the sake of clearing the roster spot. Where is a place for him to end up?

Something about both Florida teams seems right for Ruf. On the Tampa Bay Rays, he can join a unique roster in need of power. There is room for him to be a first base, DH, or even right fielder occasionally. The Rays are weird enough to want him and succeed with him on the roster.

The Miami Marlins could also find room. As long as Jorge Soler plays some left field, Ruf can be one of their main DH options. They, too, could use some pop. The Mets have acquired plenty of good players from the Marlins over the years. It’s time we do them a favor and offer up Ruf for free.

It’s hard to know exactly what the market for an aging veteran who finished so poorly would be. Ruf’s contract isn’t outrageous. One of the low-spending ball clubs that believes they can win are a destination. Even the Cleveland Guardians, with Ruf on the bench, make some sense.

Let’s go with the Rays on this one to keep him out of the National League East. We’ll take a low-level pitcher ranked last on their prospect list in return.