5 musts for the Mets to score an A+ at this year's trade deadline

4) The Mets must add an outfield bat to platoon or come off the bench

Starling Marte’s injury has put the Mets in a spot where they should actually look to add a bat at the trade deadline. Even if he was to return, the poor performance from DJ Stewart made this a roster spot to improve upon. The club has barely used Ben Gamel. Tyrone Taylor, as good of a backup as he can be at times, isn’t a starting right fielder on a contender.

The Mets have made their way through the absence of Marte with those three plus Jeff McNeil in right field. None of these players have performed particularly well which should have them on the prowl for some help.

This doesn’t need to be a pricey player. A rental is good enough. A righty who mashes lefties would be ideal. Equally as acceptable is someone who can smack around pitchers who throw from either arm.

For a point of reference, the Mets need to do better than the 2022 trade deadline acquisition of Tyler Naquin. Someone a little more capable of taking over a starting role would be the most desirable choice. These types of veteran rentals typically won’t cost much. For sure, the Mets can find someone to improve upon the poor play of Stewart and Gamel while moving McNeil back out of the outfield picture.