Mets trade target power rankings: Relief pitchers are the priority

It’s time for round three of the New York Mets trade target power rankings. With the trade deadline just days away, the trade market will start heating up very quickly.

The Mets acquired Daniel Vogelbach for Colin Holderman, which was an interesting trade that shakes up this week’s rankings quite a bit. Yes, the DH spot got stronger against right-handed pitching. But it comes at the cost of a young, controllable reliever who has looked really good in his rookie season. Instead of needing one reliever, like in previous weeks, now they need two.

5. NY Mets trade target: Hirokazu Sawamura

With the Red Sox in free fall after an embarrassing series in which they got swept by the Blue Jays at home, they’re almost guaranteed to sell. One interesting name that should be available is Hirokazu Sawamura. He’s in the second year of a two-year deal, plus he has a team option for next year. He has a good splitter that makes it tough for lefties to square him up.

4. NY Mets trade target: David Robertson

He’s still on the list. He’s still doing his job. He’d be an incredibly consistent, reliable addition to the bullpen. There’s not much else to say.

3. NY Mets trade target: Trey Mancini

Vogelbach is now the DH/bench player who will slug against righties, so now they need someone who will mash lefties. Mancini is that guy, posting an .830 OPS against lefty starters. Versatility is an added bonus for him, as he can play first or the corner outfield spots, so he can get other players off their feet when they need a day off.

2. NY Mets trade target: David Bednar

David Bednar is still having the best season of his young career. His FIP has dropped since the last ranking, so he’s due for some positive regression in the second half. 

1. NY Mets trade target: A.J. Puk

The Mets need a lefty more than ever. With Chasen Shreve gone and Joely Rodriguez struggling mightily, the lefty relief situation is the biggest hole on the Mets’ roster. Puk would be an excellent remedy to that. He doesn’t walk many or give up much hard contact, and his strikeout numbers are pretty good too. Puk is still a rookie, so he’s got a lot of control left.

Check back next week to see what changes as moves start to happen!