The Mets are one of the most interesting teams to watch in the next week or so as we close in on the trade deadline. New York had long been thought to be sellers, with Pete Alonso's contract up after the year, being the biggest name to be possibly dealt. But, a funny thing happened and that's when this Mets team started to win. The narrative is now shifted from seller's to possibly being buyers.
The Mets offense has been on fire lately and while it can use some upgrades there isn't a major pressing need. The starting rotation is solid, but potentially could use some depth and the bullpen needs a major upgrade. If the Mets become buyer's to try and get themselves into a Wild Card spot they will likely do so with an eye to the future as well. Don't expect New York to go and buy any rentals. This is a list of who the Mets might target and the fit they would be for this team:
Addressing the bullpen will be crucial. The Mets don't even know if they can trust their high paid closer Edwin Diaz so this is a must add at the break if they want to compete. The Amazin's likely aren't willing to part with big names for a guy like Mason Miller with the whole league chasing the young fireballer. That leaves guys like Kyle Finnegan, but that's an in division deal which makes it unlikely, and Jason Adam. Adam clicks a lot of boxes for New York. He has been a set up man and a closer and can jockey between the two seamlessly. In this Mets bullpen getting the key outs will be more important than getting the last outs and Adam seems like a good fit for that role. The same can be said for his teammate Pete Fairbanks, the Rays know how to use relievers in multiple roles and are falling out of the race. Tampa is a good spot to buy from.
If New York wants an arm they likely won't get into the Garrett Crochet or even Erik Fedde free for all, but some lower names might be good to eat innings. Players like Tyler Anderson from the Angels might be a more feasible asset the Mets can trade for. The same thing goes for another bat. While the dreams of Jazz Chisholm or Cody Bellinger dance in Mets fans' heads, the more likely scenario would be a Jesse Winker type for this offense.
We can't rule out Pete Alonso still being on the move, or a number of other Mets, but with their recent surge New York is suddenly looking like a buyer.