A new report may open the door for the New York Mets to make a blockbuster trade for multiple players to fill a few needs for the second half.
Heading into Friday, the Mets are tied for the best record in all of baseball. Their current status in MLB is all the more impressive because two of their starting pitchers have been out all season. And Juan Soto just started to heat up in the last few weeks. Yet, they aren’t without flaws. And you can never have enough talent when trying to win a World Series.
New York could use an upgrade in the outfield — preferably center. They could use more thump from the designated hitter spot. And there have been rumors and reports that they could target impact arms for the rotation and bullpen before July’s trade deadline.
On Thursday, The Athletic MLB insider Jim Bowden reported that the Mets are expected to compete with top rivals the Philadelphia Phillies for some of the best bullpen arms that will be available over the next few weeks. He also indirectly revealed a team that could help get New York that bullpen arm and upgrade other spots on the roster.
“The Angels, who are currently a game below .500, don’t seem inclined to be sellers right now. But that should change by the end of July,” Bowden wrote. “If that happens, they’ll have two power bats they could offer in DH Jorge Soler, and LF Taylor Ward. Along with starting pitcher Tyler Anderson and closer Kenley Jansen.”
Four-time All-Star Jansen would certainly be a nice arm to add to the pen for late-inning work. Anderson is a two-time All-Star and would bring even more meaningful depth to the Mets’ rotation. Soler and Ward are both legit power bats. Soler would be an option at DH. Ward could play in left field, but also has some experience playing at third. A problem spot for New York this season.
Both Jansen and Anderson are free agents after this season. Soler is on the books for one more year at $10 million, and Ward enters his final year of arbitration in 2026.
The Mets may not trade for all four. But two or three of these players could make an impact down the stretch. And it likely would not cost the club premium prospects in return.
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