3 trades to improve the DH spot for the 2022 stretch run

NY Mets starting lineup gains flexibility and power with Mitch Haniger

Mitch Haniger is a little different from the other two players on this list. Until last season, Haniger was rarely getting starts as a designated hitter. With age comes more days in the DH spot.

Haniger is currently on the IL with an ankle injury and a pending free agent at the end of this season. The Seattle Mariners are fading and may look to move on from him at the trade deadline.

The 2021 season was a bit different for Haniger who had already shown some good pop. In only his second year with more than 100 games played, Haniger blasted 39 home runs and drove in 100. Before landing on the IL this year, he already had 3 home runs in 36 trips to the plate.

Haniger has been primarily a right fielder in his career and should still be able to do so at this point of his career. He could give the Mets another outfield option while primarily filling in as the DH. Alternatively, they could always chuck him out into right field, move Starling Marte to left field, and utilize Mark Canha more frequently as the DH instead. Haniger has the added benefit of giving them power and flexibility.

The price for Haniger would probably resemble closer to what the Orioles would want for Mancini. Likely a pure rental because the Mets should hope to already have one of their top prospects near MLB-ready by next season, this is unlikely to deplete the Flushing farm pipeline nearly as much as the last big trade these two clubs made.