5 lefty relievers the Mets should target in trades

The New York Mets opened themselves up with a roster spot and slot when they designated Chasen Shreve for assignment last week. The team has now assured us all that they will indeed be looking at possible trades for a left-handed reliever. If not, what are they doing?

Lefty relievers are not quite as specialized as they used to be yet still important. Their skill at get left-handed hitters out at a higher rate is important. Late in the season and the playoffs, you can’t ignore this role in your bullpen.

With Joely Rodriguez also shaky and no truly great options in the minors, these are five left-handed relievers we could expect the Mets to possibly target in a trade this summer.

1) NY Mets left-handed trade target Joe Mantiply

Do the Arizona Diamondbacks try to convince themselves Joe Mantiply is part of their future or do they capitalize on his awesome season?

His numbers this year are mouth-watering. Through 33 innings, he is 1-2 with a 1.91 ERA. He has walked only a single batter and struck out 34. He appears to be the exact sort of “momentum” guy you want to ride with as your main lefty.

Mantiply is the kind of player you never thought the Mets would need yet suddenly should be all over. His early success this season with Arizona after a very good 2021 featuring a 3.40 ERA in 39.2 innings of work is promising. Likely inexpensive, he is the kind of guy Arizona should flip now while the 31-year-old is at his most desirable.