The New York Mets had a rough June and finished the month 12-15. However, the Mets are still well within the playoff race.
At 48-37, New York is just one-and-a-half games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the National League East but hold the top NL Wild Card spot.
The Mets are currently on a three-game losing streak and have lost seven of their last 10 games.
New York will need to address some issues at the trade deadline, but the question for the Mets is which team is the most ideal trade partner?
Zachary Rotman of FanSided listed the most ideal trade partners for four contenders including the Mets.
According to Rotman, the Boston Red Sox are that team.
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New York’s starting rotation is one of the best in the league despite recent struggles, so the upgrades from Boston would come elsewhere.
“The Mets lost both of their left-handed relievers, A.J. Minter and Danny Young, to season-ending injuries in the matter of days and have struggled to find a replacement ever since,” wrote Rotman. “Aroldis Chapman is having an unbelievable year with the Red Sox and would give the Mets a reliable late-game arm to put in just about any situation.”
Chapman, 37, is the best lefty-reliever on the market and makes a lot of sense for the Mets. The seven-time All-Star is 3-2 with a 1.32 ERA with a 0.79 WHIP in 37 appearances this season.
The Mets have an obvious need at third base, but an Alex Bregman trade is unlikely. However, the Mets also have a need in center field.
“A Jarren Duran trade, however, would make a lot more sense,” said Rotman. “The Mets could use another bat to lengthen their lineup, and their center fielders have an 83 WRC+, good for 21st in the league.”
Duran, 28, was an All-Star last year after putting up incredible numbers and playing great defense. It’s been a down year so far for Duran, but he would add a lot of value to contenders in need of an outfielder.
Duran has five home runs and 38 RBI while slashing .252/.309/.402 in 84 games. He leads Major League Baseball in plate appearances and triples.
More MLB: Who can the Yankees acquire from their ideal trade deadline partner?