3 Mets trade to make to catch the Braves in the NL East

Despite a poor start to the season, the New York Mets are a team to consider in the National League Wild Card. However, the team's aspirations to achieve the leadership of the East Division over the Atlanta Braves are less and less.

To catch up with the Braves, the Mets need to strengthen several areas of the roster in this upcoming trade deadline. Although some names like Shohei Ohtani, Corbin Burnes, or Shane Bieber would be off the Mets' radar, the front office can pull off several trades that would achieve the purpose of knocking the Braves off the top of the division.

The Mets should trade for Lucas Giolito and Joe Kelly

The Chicago White Sox will be sellers ahead of the trade deadline this year. The team has not been able to translate the talent built over the years into a competitive team.

The White Sox organization has many attractive options on the market, with Lucas Giolito and Joe Kelly, being an interesting combination. Both will be on the market and can help the Mets in the rotation and bullpen without costing too much.

While Giolito's market will be attractive, the fact that he is in the final year of his contract limits the return Chicago can get on him. Joe Kelly instead has a club option for 2024, but his injury history and age complicate his market.

Giolito has a good pedigree and arsenal, although sometimes inconsistent but his presence in the Mets' rotation would offer stability and depth. Kelly continues to be a high-leverage situation reliever with electric stuff with a fastball and sinker averaging 99 mph.

The Mets would have to start the conversation with possibly Mark Vientos plus two or three prospects above the top 20-30. Vientos is an expendable player due to his limited defense, and the return that would be obtained, with Giolito and Kelly, would turn the Mets into a serious threat in the National League.