3 Mets trade deadline targets failing with their new teams

2) Mets trade deadline target failing with his new team: Josh Bell

Josh Bell was my number one trade deadline target for the Mets. I felt he was the perfect DH. He's a switch hitter who was hitting well from both sides of the plate in Washington. He has tremendous power and had been hitting for a high average this season. I felt he would provide outstanding protection for Pete Alonso, something the Mets are still searching for consistently.

Bell was included in the Juan Soto mega deal with the Padres. He was expected to hit in the middle of their order and be the all-star bat he was for the Nationals this season.

This has not happened for the often streaky Bell. As a Padre he's slashed .203/.313/.301 with just three home runs and 11 RBI. For reference, Tyler Naquin has four home runs as a Met in 70 fewer plate appearances.

The Padres have gone just 21-20 since making that blockbuster trade and find themselves barely hanging onto a playoff spot.

Having Bell (and Soto) produce the way they're supposed to would definitely help them out down the stretch.

Even while Ruf hasn't been good as a Met, Vogelbach alone has done more for the Mets than Bell has done for San Diego on a much cheaper price tag with another year of control.