Mets should take advantage of these struggling teams at the trade deadline

With just weeks to go until the August 1st trade deadline, the New York Mets still don't have a clear sense of direction on this season.

In part, that may be a good thing. A recent winning surge in July has led to some renewed hope in 2023, with the NL Wild Card closer than its been in quite some time. However, a lot can change between now and August, and the Mets shouldn't be too brash in their decision making during this crucial month.

Luckily for them, the Mets aren't the only team in this predicament. Several other franchises are right on the verge of a playoff spot and remain undecided on their focus for the remainder of the regular season. Regardless of if the Mets decide to buy or sell (or some combination of both) at the deadline, these three teams should be towards the top of their contact list.

The Mets should renew trade talks with the Los Angeles Angels at the deadline

One of the few teams that faces a tougher decision at the deadline than the Mets would be the Los Angeles Angels, who have a serious risk of losing Shohei Ohtani in the offseason. Analysts are torn on whether the Angels should buy to contend with Ohtani and convince him of a better future, or to trade Ohtani away before free agency.

The Angels appeared to have made that decision just last month, when the Mets traded them Eduardo Escobar for prospects. However, recent injuries to just about everyone on their roster might have them rethinking that strategy.

If the Angels are looking to buy, the Mets have enough veteran position players that would make sense for them. Tommy Pham and Starling Marte would make sense for a team that has so many holes to fill, and the Mets can either go the prospect route or do a trade similar to this weeks Trevor Gott deal.

Even if the Angels sell, the Mets should still be in talks. Obviously Ohtani would be the prize aquisition of this deadline, but that remains unlikely. On a smaller scale, the Mets can use an Angels fire sale to bolster their bullpen. Matt Moore and Chris Devinski are two veteran relievers having great seasons that the Mets might be able to acquire for cheap. Whichever direction the Angels decide to take at the deadline, the Mets should be in conversations on a second trade with Los Angeles this season.

The Mets should engage in trade talks with the Cleveland Guardians to bolster their pitching staff

It's no secret that the Mets could use some help in the pitching department. If they choose to upgrade that during free agency, the Guardians should be high on their priority list at the deadline.

Cleveland's pitching has been great all season, with a 3.86 ERA and a bullpen ERA of 3.12 that's 2nd best in the MLB. While they have limped to a sub .500 record, the state of the AL Central means they're just a few games back of a divison title, so they will most likely be looking to compete.

The Guardians are another team that could use some of the Mets position players for a playoff push. With a lack of power in the outfield and the Josh Bell contract yielding negative results, Tommy Pham or Mark Canha would be an upgrade to this team for the remainder of the season.

In return, the Mets could look to improve their pitching staff, whether that is in the form of prospects or immediate help. Shane Bieber would be the ultimate prize here for the Mets, although it remains doubtful that Cleveland would trade him. Instead, going after some of the smaller options in the bullpen. While he might command a higher price than the Mets are willing to offer, reliever Trevor Stephan has a 2.78 ERA and is under contract through the next four seasons.

The Guardians aren't expected to do much at the deadline, but the Mets should be the first to swoop in should that change. Whether its a big package for Bieber or just something around the margins, these two teams both need exactly what the other is offering.