The Mets are expected to make at least two trades ahead of Tuesday’s non-waiver deadline, according to Mike Puma. The two likeliest options are Asdrubal Cabrera, who is a free agent at year’s end, and Zack Wheeler, who is under team control for one more season after this one.
According to Buster Olney, the Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, and Cleveland Indians are potential landing spots for Cabrera, who leads all Mets hitters in home runs (17), runs batted in (54), and batting average (.273) and is second to Brandon Nimmo in OPS (.797). He has also been durable despite fighting off nagging injuries, appearing in 97 of the team’s 99 games this season. Since joining the Mets in 2016, he has played in 88% of the team’s games. His ability to play second base, shortstop, and third base should be enticing for potential suitors who are looking for infield depth.
There is less of a need to trade Wheeler, who doesn’t hit free agency until the end of the 2019 season, but the Mets seem determined to capitalize on his value. On the season, he’s posted a 4.33 ERA, a 3.68 FIP, and a 1.30 WHIP, but he has been trending upwards since June 1 with a 3.50 ERA and a 3.33 FIP in his last 10 starts. According to Andy Martino, 12 teams sent scouts to watch Wheeler pitch on Tuesday night, and there is a sense that he could be moved soon. The New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Cincinnati Reds are among the teams who are interested in acquiring him.
Teams have also expressed interest in Wilmer Flores, Devin Mesoraco, and Jose Bautista, and the possibility remains that they may move any of those three players. With Bautista, whom the club picked up on May 22, Puma explained that the Mets may not want to trade him following the Yoenis Cespedes injury prognosis.
The Mets, who were considered at least fringe contenders for a Wild Card spot coming into this season, are tied for last place in the National League East and hold a 42-57 record. As a result, they will be selling at the trade deadline for the second consecutive season. The Mets have already traded closer Jeurys Familia to the Oakland A’s for Bobby Wahl, William Toffey, and $1 million in international slot money.