The Boston Red Sox‘ signing star third baseman Alex Bregman may open the door to the New York Mets making a trade for an interesting left field and DH option for 2025.
There is a lot of excitement surrounding the Mets heading into the start of spring training. They showed last year that they have a seriously competitive roster by reaching the NLCS. To reward that strong play, the front office spent big bucks this offseason to bring back key players and improve the roster with moves like signing superstar outfielder Juan Soto.
However, President David Stearns is probably not done tinkering with the roster. While they have been linked to rumors about a potential trade for Dylan Cease, they have also been looking to move certain expensive players they no longer feel they can rely on. Namely former All-Star Starling Marte and Jeff McNeil.
On Wednesday, the Boston Red Sox made a big addition a month before the season when they signed two-time All-Star Alex Bregman to a massive three-year, $120 million deal. Well, that signing could create the opportunity for the Mets to move either Marte or McNeil for an interesting option at left field or designated hitter.
- Masataka Yoshida stats (2024): .280 AVG, .349 OBP, .415 SLG, .765 OPS, 10 HR, 56 RBI, 45 R
Could the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox swap problem players?
On Thursday, Mass Live Red Sox reporter Chris Cotillo took a look at the ramifications of the Bregman signing. The Houston Astros great is a third baseman by trade but will play second in Boston. However, the team has a very talented prospect in Kristian Campbell they hope will man second in the near future. That could push Bregman back to third, and Rafael Devers to DH. This means Masataka Yoshida trade rumors could intensify.
If he is on the trade block, he might be a player worth considering for the Mets. Mainly if the Red Sox are willing to take Marte — a player who is an injury waiting to happen — or McNeil — a former batting champion who seems to be in a steep decline — back in the deal.
- Masataka Yoshida contract: Five years, $90 million
Right now, Marte is penciled into left field, and Jesse Winker at DH. Yoshida has not made as big an impact as Boston hoped for when they signed him two years ago. But he is a good big-league hitter who has a little pop and can play left field.
He has better-hitting numbers than both Marte and Winker. He could be a younger and better left fielder than the 36-year-old. Or an upgrade at DH over Winker who has been a journeyman player his entire career. The big downside with Yoshida is he is signed for three more seasons at $18.6 annually. But his ability to play two positions at a better-than-average level with good on-base skills makes him a player the New York Mets could ponder a trade for this month.