Jason Burgos
Could the New York Mets upgrade center field in a rare trade with the New York Yankees? A top NY MLB insider believes the Yanks have a ‘great fit’ for their in-city rivals that they may be looking to move.
Last week, the Mets made their first big splash before Thursday’s MLB trade deadline when they acquired two-time All-Star Gregory Soto to be a lefty specialist in the second half. Adding more arms to the bullpen is rumored to be a top priority. However, the club has been linked to various trades to improve centerfield. Well, SNY MLB insider Andy Martino has an intriguing idea to make that happen that involves the Yankees.
“As reported in yesterday’s column, the Yankees have laid a little groundwork in trading free agents to be,” Martino wrote on X. “I’m highly skeptical they’ll actually do it. Only happened once, in ‘16, and now they’re in playoff position. But if they somehow do, Trent Grisham is a great fit for the Mets.”
Grisham is a rock-solid defender in center. However, what makes him so intriguing is that he is having his best season ever at the plate. Heading into the week, he has a slashline of .252/.355/.463/.817 with 17 homers, 38 RBIs, and 48 runs. He is on pace for career highs in every major hitting category. It puts the 28-year-old in a position for a big raise in free agency after the season.
- Trent Grisham stats: .252 AVG,.355 OBP, .463 SLG, .817 OPS, 17 HR, 38 RBIs, and 48 R
What could Trent Grisham cost the New York Mets?
The big issue is would the Yankees really be willing to move him in a pennant race. On a business level, it makes sense. Trading high now, if they know they won’t re-sign him in the offseason, would be smart. Furthermore, they have obvious everyday outfield options in Aaron Judge (when he returns from injury), Cody Bellinger, and Jasson Dominguez. So he isn’t a must-have for the team.
What could the Mets give up for a player like Grisham? They have a glut of pitching talent in the minor leagues and the infield in the big leagues. Since the Yanks addressed their issues at third in their trade last week for Ryan McMahon, a deal that includes a player like Brett Baty wouldn’t interest them as much now. Which means the Mets are more likely to part with maybe a pair of lower level, back of the top 50 pitching prospects.
Grisham would certainly be a nice addition for the second half. However, it creates a question of what the team does with Jeff McNeil since he has been hitting well in recent weeks. Becoming their permanent DH could be an option.
