New York Mets owner Steve Cohen didn't rule out selling at the trade deadline if the team didn't improve. Here are three players who could move.
The New York Mets aren't living up to the lofty expectations that were set after all of the money they spent this offseason. Entering Wednesday, the team is 36-43 and sitting in fourth place in the NL East, 16.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves for first.
Before their game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night, team owner Steve Cohen held a press conference to address the team's struggles. Cohen did raise some alarms, saying that if the team didn't improve by the trade deadline on Aug. 1, he'd consider trading away players and that he wouldn't be adding if they are in the same position.
With that in mind, here are three players that could be dealt if the Mets decide to sell at the trade deadline.
NY Mets Rumors: 3 players who could be traded after Steve Cohen's alarming press conference
3. Tommy Pham, OF
When looking at players who could be traded, the easiest options are impending free agents. Come on, teams are going to want something for a player whose contract expires at the end of the year instead of allowing them to walk for nothing. Most importantly, they'll want to trade said players on expiring contracts that are putting up strong numbers.
Outfielder Tommy Pham has emerged as one of the Mets' best hitters after signing a one-year, $6 million contract to be a depth option in the outfield. Through 58 games played, Pham is slashing .255/.326/.461 while recording seven home runs, 19 runs scored, 30 RBI, and 42 hits.
There are going to be teams looking for outfielders who are putting up solid hitting numbers, so Pham would be a solid trade target. Plus, the Mets could get a decent return for Pham.
2. David Robertson, RP
When it comes to the MLB trade deadline, contending teams are going to look to build up their bullpen. After all, they would want as many quality options as possible to ensure that they can hold a lead in late-game situations. That is a smart strategy.
For those teams looking to add a late-inning relief pitcher, they could give the Mets a call for David Robertson.
The veteran right-hander is no stranger to being dealt at the trade deadline. Just last year, Robertson was traded by the Chicago Cubs to the Philadelphia Phillies. In 22 regular-season games, he recorded a 2.70 ERA, a 1.371 WHIP, 30 strikeouts, 16 walks, and six saves in 23.1 innings. In the team's run to the World Series, Robertson posted a 1.17 ERA, a 1.43 WHIP, 11 strikeouts, five walks, and one save in eight games (7.2 innings).
This year with the Mets, Robertson is easily their best relief option with Edwin Diaz sidelined due to a knee injury. So far, Robertson owns a 1.59 ERA, a 0.971 WHIP, 41 strikeouts, eight walks, and 11 saves in 34.0 innings.
Relief pitchers will be in high demand this trade deadline, and the Mets may be able to replenish the farm system by trading Robertson, whose contract expires at the end of this season.
1. Max Scherzer, SP
Perhaps one of the biggest moves the New York Mets could make is to trade one of their top starting pitchers. When it comes to who has the most value, Max Scherzer has it over Justin Verlander.
This year has been far from great for Scherzer, compared to how he had performed in the previous two years. But, his numbers have gotten better as of late. Entering Wednesday, Scherzer carries a 3.95 ERA, a 1.175 WHIP, and a 7-2 win-loss record in 13 starts, while also recording 76 strikeouts and 16 walks in 70.2 innings.
Recently, MLB.com's Anthony DiComo reported that several industry sources believe that Scherzer would waive his no-trade clause "for the right situation."
Scherzer is in his second season with the Mets after signing a three-year, $130 million contract after the 2021 season. But after this season, Scherzer has a player option worth $43.3 million in 2024. So, that is one wild card that could impact Scherzer's trade value.
Either way, if teams are looking to add to their starting rotation for their postseason search, it's hard to look past a multi-time Cy Young Award winner like Scherzer. However, it will have to be a situation that the interested team would be willing to take on his $43.3 million salary in 2024. Not to mention a situation in which Scherzer would want to play for said team.
