Could Red Sox Outfielder Be New York Mets Trade Fit for 2024?
Is there a long-shot outfield trade option out there for the New York Mets this offseason?
The Mets have to be investigating options after a season in which it traded away two of its outfielders, Mark Canha and Tommy Pham at the deadline. The Pham trade really worked out … for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are in the World Series.
For the Mets? Well they may have a blank space in the outfield, an area where they could explore adding experienced help, either by free agency or trade. An outfielder in Boston stands out as a potential fit, according to MLBTradeRumors.com.
Boston outfielder Alex Verdugo slashed .264/.324/.421/.745 with 13 home runs, 54 RBI last season and is a Gold Glove finalist in right field. He is also signed through 2024.
Several teams were interested in Verdugo at last year’s trade deadline, and the Red Sox may be interested in moving him as he has one year left on his contract and there’s a new chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow. He’s likely eager to put his own imprint on the organization, one trying to turn itself around in 2024.
The Mets’ 40-man roster, at the moment, is short of outfield options, as it lists Tim Locastro, Starling Marte, Brandon Nimmo and DJ Stewart at the position. However, look at the Mets’ depth chart and it lists Jeff McNeil in left field.
The reality is the Mets are thin at the position right now, and Verdugo would be option worth considering.
He’s been a consistent outfielder for the Red Sox, with a .278/.334/.417 slash since the start of the 2021 season. He was plus-9 Defensive Runs Saved, second-best among right fielders. It’s part of the reason why he’s a Gold Glove finalist. Plus the Mets would only be tied to Verdugo for a year, as he become a free agent after next season.
There are a couple of things that could turn the Mets off from a deal like this. First, the Mets have decided to take a step back from being a major offseason player after going all-in on pitcher Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander last offseason and trading both at the deadline.
Second, even though the depth chart looks thin, the Mets have a trio of young players that could cross-train in the outfield for more playing time in 2024 — Bretty Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and Mark Vientos.
The Mets may want experience in the outfield in 2024. If so, Verdugo is a potential option.
