New York Yankees Linked as Potential Fit for Mets Outfielder

The New York Yankees could be a potential suitor for an outfielder from their cross-town rival Mets.

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

It's a weird year in New York City. While both the New York Yankees and Mets have both been buyers in recent season's at the MLB trade deadline, that could soon change. 

The Mets are far out of the National League postseason race as things stand today. But the Yankees figure to be buyers. 

So, why not strike a deal?

In fact, The Athletic has already linked Mets outfielder Starling Marte to the Yankees at the trade deadline. 

And it makes some sense. Especially given the news that 2022 American League MVP and slugger Aaron Judge may have suffered an injury that is worse than initially reported. 

The Yankees need some extra help.

As far as what The Athletic proposes. . . well, it's not a terrible idea. 

"In return, the Mets could ask for center fielder Estevan Florial, who is having a breakout season at Triple A with 19 homers, 13 stolen bases and a 1.004 OPS. He still has swing-and-miss in his game (81 strikeouts in 265 plate appearances), but at 25, he should be entering his prime years and is about a decade younger than Marte."

Assuming Judge gets healthy, Florial seems blocked at the moment by Harrison Bader. And having Marte in left field would make for a dangerous trio in the outfield. One of the best in the Majors in fact.

Of course, Marte is 34 years old and has seen a dip in production this season. His .245/.309/.325 slash line is a far cry from his career production. Add in his 77 OPS+ (MLB avg. 100) and Florial starts to seem like a bit of an overpay.

Still, Marte gets on base and has 20 stolen bases already this season. So he is still productive, even more so when he gets on base. 

It's a deal worth exploring for the Yankees.