5 bold predictions for the Mets at the trade deadline

The New York Mets and their subpar performance so far in 2023 sets up to be one of the most fascinating trade deadline seasons in team history. The team has a lot of expendable pieces that will be up for grabs should they decide to sell, but they also have the talent to get hot at any time between now and the trade deadline in less than four weeks.

So, today, here are five bold predictions about the Mets and what they will do at the trade deadline.

1) The New York Mets will trade pitcher Max Scherzer to the Los Angeles Angels.

Let's face it. Who doesn't want to play alongside Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout at this point. If Max Scherzer is traded to the Angels, he can say he did that.

Max Scherzer's Hall of Fame credentials and leadership would allow the Mets to get an excellent package back from the Angels in a trade, since the Mets are likely going to eat the money in any contract. And it would fit well with the Angels, whose owner, Arte Moreno, has a reputation of being one not willing to spend.

Scherzer to the Angels would instantly make a lethal one-two punch atop their rotation with Ohtani and put the team in the discussion with the Rangers and Astros to win the American League West division.

The Angels enter play today just shy of a playoff spot, and they desperately need to get Ohtani to the playoffs before they risk losing him in free agency this winter or else it would be a bad look for their organization. Same thing applies to Trout, who has never won a playoff game in his Hall of Fame career.

Also, the Mets might take advantage of a desperate Angels team as a hamate injury to Mike Trout might prompt the Angels to buy harder.