3 players we’ll be thankful Billy Eppler didn’t trade, 2 we’ll wish he did

NY Mets can still make the most of a Mark Vientos trade later on this summer

Mark Vientos remains the most practical trade chip the Mets have. Where do you even play him? Constructing a future Mets roster where all of the prospects pan out doesn’t even include him.

As much as it makes sense to trade Vientos, we should be glad the Mets didn’t. What kind of upgrade could they have made this offseason in a trade centered on him? Instead, heading into the 2023 season with him in the organization means the Mets have a pretty solid piece to deal at the deadline for an unexpected need.

This does come with some risk. What if Vientos struggles a lot this year? His stock will go down a ton. It’s already not too high because he does seem to be trending toward becoming a first baseman. Guys who play that position and hit with power grow on trees. They’re easy to find and trading away something of value for one doesn’t always make the most sense.

Vientos can do the complete opposite. What if he has a monstrous season in Triple-A? What if he even becomes a contributor at the major league level? A big injury or an underperformer gives the team urgency to look at some different trade scenarios. Any club in a rebuilding mode who could use a first baseman or DH could nibble.

We should be glad the Mets didn’t force any trade this offseason. Eventually, they’ll probably have to deal him.