4 trade deadline mistakes Billy Eppler must avoid at all costs

4) NY Mets trade deadline mistake to avoid: Don't overbid when you should sell

The Mets always bought at the trade deadline when Brodie Van Wagenen was in charge. In fact, we have to go back to 2018 to find the last time the Mets actually gave away veterans rather than looked to acquire them. It's a bit unusual but understandable. They were always within striking distance around the trade deadline in those three seasons.

The expanded MLB playoffs will, more likely than not, allow the Mets to convince themselves to buy when they should really sell. It's a tough place to be when you're less than a half-dozen games out of a playoff spot with floundering ball clubs separating you from the postseason. Things would have to look dire for the Mets to flip the switch and sell. Way too much has been invested in this team to go into full firesale mode.

What's most unappealing of all would be to do nothing at all. The Mets could buy lightly and hope things turn around. Taking a flier on someone for cheap could be one way to achieve this. They don't have to commit fully in any one direction. Eppler just can't get caught selling the farm for players who will walk at the end of the year or underachieve.

As poorly as June has started for the Mets, one successful week can completely change the narrative. They'll have time to give the front office a clearer picture of what types of actions should be done. Don't wait too long. We want games in August and September to matter. We'd like to see some baseball in October, too.