Email a copy of '5 Ways For Mets To Find A Lucas Duda Fill-In' to a friend
Loading ...
By Jeff Todd | at
Email a copy of '5 Ways For Mets To Find A Lucas Duda Fill-In' to a friend
MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com
hide arrows scroll to top
Drewnasty
You forgot Swisher with the upper minor league vets
Jeff Todd
I’m sure I forgot a fair number of reasonably plausible guys – it’s hard to canvas the entire league. Also, Swisher still isn’t showing signs of any return to being serviceable. But I suppose if I listed Tyler Moore, I’ve lowered the bar plenty far already.
gobraves46
Ouch, burn on Tyler Moore
Jeff Todd
Hey I love TyMo, but he’s not playing or hitting much at Triple-A for the Braves right now. Needs to show something there to earn another shot at the bigs, realistically.
budman3 2
Loney should be the target. Minimal cost to acquire (C prospect or cash) and they would only be on the hook for league minimum.
Bill
Why would they need to offer anything if he has an opt-out clause in his contract allowing him to leave if he gets a major league offer?
Jeff Todd
To be fair to Bob, it’s theoretically possible that SDP could say, “oh, in that case we are putting him on the big league roster,” and then ask for compensation. The Cubs sent $ to the Pirates last year for Clayton Richard, and maybe could’ve demanded more if they really wanted to keep him.
Not certain how Loney’s deal is structured, but read here for more on the clause Richard had: mlbtraderumors.com/2015/07/cubs-acquire-clayton-ri…
Jeff Todd
Just updated the post … SDP can indeed choose to put him on its own roster.
socalbum
Another option, Dodgers Scott Van Slyke who is close to returning from rehab. Crushes LH pitching, a good defensive first baseman, and a very good defensive OF’er with strong, accurate arm. Dodgers in need of BP help, perhaps a match.
em650r
They can have Scott and Hatcher for some good Bullpen arm
ducksnort69
After Morrison’s abysmal start, he’s put together a decent stretch. Taking his salary is likely all it would cost.
ShaneRat
How about Chris Parmalee
Jeff Todd
He’s on there already, though I will admit that Steve Adams suggested his name to me.
chesteraarthur
Not a huge fan of that Lucroy idea. a 120wRC+ 1b is pretty meh and you’d be paying for a 120 wRC+ C. Seems like a less than ideal use of resources.
baumer16
I don’t think the Mets have the firepower to pull off the Lucroy trade unless they included someone like Matz which I don’t think they would.
attgig
how about a completely out-of-left field option…. bring Cuddyer back out from retirement. I’m sure he has the itch to play again…
Voice of Reason
If you’re bringing back cuddyer then you might as well call Laroche, too. Remember, laroche’s kid is part of the deal.
Ted
It’s too bad Ryan Howard is having such a dreadful season, even by his recent standards, or he might be a reasonable fill-in as a left-handed power bat. I’m sure the Phillies would pay virtually all of his salary just to move him.
I’m thinking Ike Davis makes a ton of sense here.
Bill
Given what Ike said about the Mets when he left (or was it just his father), I don’t see that being a good fit. Of course, given the option to get back to the major’s, he might be willing to ignore the past.
metsoptimist
Meh. I think that the idea of trying Conforto at first is interesting.
matt harris
What about Will Myers?
Jeff Todd
I thought about him, but decided that I didn’t see him as a likely trade piece. Certainly a hypothetically possible candidate, though.
disgruntledreader 2
Yeah – they’re definitely not trading him.
I wonder whether the unlikely emergence of Brett Wallace as an almost acceptable big leaguer (as long as you don’t think about defense at all) might put him in the mix of incredibly cheap, easily acquired options for either the Mets or the White Sox? I can’t think he’d cost more than a fringe Low-A guy.
Jeff Todd
Could imagine Wallace getting a bit of interest as a final bench piece, maybe, but even with decent bat he’s not much with the glove. Just don’t see a ton of interest emerging.
T_Rexx2
Ryan Howard is definitely available….
AidanVega123
Who would want him though? lol
Yamsi12
Make an offer for Pujols. Come on Mets dooooo it!
Voice of Reason
Yes, please cash strap the mets finances by taking on every penny of pujols contract.
mike156
Do you think Davis is a viable option? I was under the impression that the Mets/Davis parting wasn’t on the best of terms.
cblakework
How about Scott Van Slyke? Coming off injury, but LA has 7 outfielders so no place to play him
Jeff Todd
They always seem to find a way to keep guys and aren’t going to sacrifice depth. Most of their guys have options left, including SVS.
He’d look like a pretty strong target, but not sure what the Mets would be willing to give that would make the Dodgers bite.
gofish 2
I’m sure intra-division trading is frowned upon, but…Freddie Freeman? Braves aren’t going anywhere for a while. Give Freddie a chance to win.
Gogerty
For Mets to get Freddie, who has priority over Coppy’s right arm, the Mets would have to severely overpay to get him. There are cheaper in-division options available. I could see Kelly Johnson for a prospect happen though.
cubsfan2489
Never going to happen
Jeff Todd
I won’t completely rule him out as a trade candidate, but Coppy has raised the bar way up to deal him. Don’t see NYM doing what it would take to pry him loose.
Gogerty
Jeff, lot of communication today, love it. Would almost think that a trade of Freeman would have to start with DeGrom or Matz with Dominic Smith, correct?
Jeff Todd
I must be feeling chatty! Your thinking that the Braves would want a young, high-quality, MLB player as a centerpiece makes sense … how else can they sell a deal to fans? Would Coppy be willing to part with his own arm otherwise?
That might change at some point, but much like politicians will prime the electorate for news, I think the Braves will do some PR work before moving on FF — unless a truly ridiculous opportunity comes along.
That’s the thing, though. How do you find a deal that would make sense for an acquiring team? I’ve heard it suggested that it can’t make sense for the Angels to deal Mike Trout, and I generally disagree with that idea (not that he should or will be dealt), because I think other orgs would pay a huge price for a historic talent on a great contract. But ATL has an equally expensive, much less productive, somewhat older asset in FF. Harder to see how a swap comes together unless/until the Braves change their stance a bit.
Gogerty
Agreed sir, I think you are spot on. I think production wise, yes FF is about the only semi (take out April) consistent bat, thanks to recent upswing.
I just have the feeling that $20M a year coming soon will hamstring the team and they will not begin to find options to put around FF to make a true contender under Liberty. Love the “arm” reference, BTW. Braves have quality arms in prospects, but not completely ready for the rotation. I think Matz or DeGrom would put Julio at #2, 3 if Wisler can continue his pace. Kelly Johnson can hold down first while Smith seasons in the minors and next year’s budget would currently sit at just under $29M to start building better.
Not exactly like Braves are swinging for the fences to bring back a Trout deal (I know not why you referenced him by any means).
Only a time of a teams need, like now could FF be unloaded with decent return.
Jeff Todd
Referenced Trout only b/c some in media have suggested he somehow “can’t be traded” b/c he’s a high-performing, highly-paid guy. I’m saying that seems more the case w/r/t Freeman than it does Trout. Not suggesting any other comparisons.
I just don’t see any way the Mets could give up one of their young guns for him right now. Maybe Wheeler, but I don’t see how ATL could take on the risk (plus he’s already at 2+ years of service heading into this season) and sell it to their fans, even if there are nice additional prospects included.
Gogerty
Haha not barking down the “Trade for Trout” tree or putting them in same context by any means.
But agree, do not think Mets and Braves can match up as Wheeler is probably not what Coppy would ask for and as you mentioned, Matz or DeGrom are probably off the table. Would make one huge long lasting inner division trade and implications.
ThatGuy 2
Sure. Send us the starting 5 AND your top 5 prospects.
We’ll throw in Kelly Johnson…
wants to be a GM
What about Mike Napoli?
Jeff Todd
Don’t see Cleveland making him available.
angrypoptart99
Jays not trading smoak with collebello beeing on a suspension, unless they decide to put parades at DH, and Edwin a first. And there not gonna just give him away, he’s a valuable piece to the blue jays
Jeff Todd
I agree, that’s why I said he’s unlikely. He’s more of a guy to keep an eye on if Toronto falls way back.
truebluebrewcrew82
Carter for the Brewers is having a good power year. Verrett is a useful pitcher but isn’t being utilized as a starting pitcher. Maybe give it a shot to trade Carter for Verrett?
Jeff Todd
I’d think Milwaukee would be looking more for upside in a deal for Carter, but that’s just my guess.
Phillies2017
I would do Carter (eating all of ’16 $) for Verrett and Beccera. They are desperate and Carter is 2nd in the league in bombs while being controllable for a few years.
hojostache
Desperate…? They are 1.5 games back of first, currently have the 4th best record in the NL, and are 7 games over .500. They have options, albeit not as good as a healthy Duda. The Mets need to avoid another “all or nothing” bat in their lineup. Loney makes sense because he makes better contact, though he’ll be redundant on the bench. He is a low/no cost option…which makes his acquisition a strong consideration.
bbgods
I would move d’Arnaud, Walker, or Conforto to 1B. and trade for Danny Valencia to share 3B and possibly platoon with Granderson.
If Walker plays 1B, recall Herrera. If Conforto plays 1B, play Lagares every day in CF. Herrera and Lagares are better than all the names mentioned in the article, and already available.
hojostache
I was already on board w. Conforto or Walker to 1B and bringing up Dilson….though I really like the consideration of another piece to backup 3B. Can Kelly Johnson play 3B/1B? If I were the Mets, I’d want as much roster flexibility as possible w. Duda and Wright both having back problems.
HarveyD82
yinz don’t want pedro….
GarryHarris
Can Michael Conforto play 1B?
What is the backup plan for 3B? Danny Valencia could fill in at 1B and 3B but could he hit?.
What about Joey Votto?
Bill
Joey Votto with $199m left on his contract and a complete no-trade clause?
DannyQ3913
I’ll drive Ryan Howard to New York for the Mets
jleve618
I’ll cover your gas and buy lunch.
Beardedface Killah
Mets should take Rusney Castillo and Allan Craig
Phillies2017
Cheap option- Chris Johnson
Acceptable hitter costs maybe Lugo
Jeff Todd
Thought about CJ but I’m not sure I see either team being terribly motivated.
philliesrule
If only Howard could hit…..
steelerbravenation
Kelly Johnson & A.J. for Montero & prospect ?????
beauvandertulip
I could see Moreland getting traded, with Gallo getting the call and Davis being in AAA the Rangers might be able to afford to lose him for bullpen help. Rua has crushed LHP so trading Moreland could potentially happen. Although I think JD has a crush on Moreland so maybe not. Maybe Jon Singleton ?
Lance
I’m not sure Gallo has played 1B at all. Replacing Moreland next year with Gallo makes sense. Right now, Mitch is in a funk. Maybe DH Gallo and move Fielder to first. Prince is hitting worse than Moreland, but he can’t be moved with that contract. The Rangers are pretty much stuck with him until JD & Banny decide they can’t keep that sub 200 average with no power in the lineup. Right now, Prince has one more HR than Elvis.
uglypretzel
Christian Walker probably could be a fit. Can’t see how he fits in the Orioles plans…
jose carlos
Call me crazy if you want, I’ll take it, but the Mets could solve some immediate problems and who knows maybe more down the road by offering the following deal to the Red Sox: Matt Harvey for Travis Shaw, Clay Buchholz and very good minor league RS prospect RHP Travis Lakins to balance out the package deal.
Harvey and Buchholz what they both need now is a change of scenery, especially Harvey who by leaving the spotlight lifestyle of NY city will help him focus more on his profession. Buchholz just does not square in any longer in Boston. Remember that he is a Texas dude and he needs his space where a claustrophobic city like Boston would be much better replaced by a more confortable metropolis like NYC. Bare in mind that both these players are bound to be ace like pitchers on any other playoff competing teams like the Mets and the Red Sox, once they get their stuff together again.
Last but not least we have in Travis Shaw a young proven 1B and 3B infielder with power who again is continuing in 2016 a successful year not only hitting but playing both positions. He is controllable until 2021 and can solve immediately the loss of Lucas Duda who is in his last arbitration year and sirve as well as depth for David Wright.
stymeedone
Yes, much less of a spotlight in beantown. Throwing as he is, I just don’t see any contenders lining up to trade for Harvey. He would be worth a shot to a rebuilding team, like Atlanta, Milwaukee or Philly. Your trade leaves Boston without their starting 3B, and no guarantee that they would be upgrading their rotation. That’s unacceptable for a contending team.
jose carlos
Yes, I agree with you 100% that Matt would not be a guarantee to upgrade the RS rotation, but Buc is also not a guarantee to help the RS down the road to a possible playoffs this year, since he’s not playing at this moment well enough as he’s capable of. Who knows maybe the RS might see this as the only opportunity for any team to pry from the Mets a guy with Matt’s potential ceiling.
As for Boston’s 3B they have for the rest of this season, until Sandoval returns in 2017, plenty of good defensive depth at the position such as: Brock Holt, Josh Rutledge, Deven Marrero and the new utility man Blake Swihart who use to play very good 3B in school before being converted into catching.
Peter 9
Ike Davis wouldn’t be a terrible idea.
But one thing the Mets should not do right now is make a knee jerk reaction and make a trade right away. First figure out who would work out best for them, then pull the trigger.
vball0069
Any validity of a Zach Wheeler for Freddie Freeman trade?