The New York Mets are tied with the Philadelphia Phillies at the top of the National League East. However, they could use an upgrade in their outfield if they want to make a deep run.
Tyrone Taylor has been the Mets’ primary center fielder this season, and the Mets have gotten just a .666 OPS from center field on the year. They could benefit from adding a power bat to the lineup to replace Taylor in center field. However, it will be tough to replace his defense. FanSided’s Stephen Parello suggested the Mets trade Brett Baty to the Los Angeles Angels to get Jo Adell.
Adell has 16 home runs this season and a .777 OPS. He hit 20 home runs last year for the Angels. The Angels are two games out of a wild card spot entering play on Sunday, but trading Adell could be a move they are interested in.
“This is much more than a change-of-scenery move. Both Adell and Baty have shown signs of life this season,” wrote Parello. “Adell started off miserably over the first month, but he improved in May and has been on a tear in June, now owning a .222/.295/.481/115 wRC+ through June 20. Baty, on the other hand, hasn’t quite sustained the same upward trajectory. His .290/.338/.581 line in May has given way to a .125/.189/.250 performance thus far in June. Still, there have been some encouraging developments, such as his improving walk rate.”
Baty does not seem to have a clear path to being a starter in the long run for the Mets. They have Mark Vientos among other talented, young infielders. Additionally, the Angels have potential replacements for Adell as well, but not many options at third base.
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“Adell would give the Mets a power bat with 30 home run potential to roam center field, at the cost of Baty, who looks to be the odd man out in the infield going forward. Adell doesn’t hit free agency until 2028, giving the Mets a potential answer both now and in the future,” wrote Parello. “For the Angels, they can part with Adell as they have prospects like Matthew Lugo and, perhaps eventually, Nelson Rada who can replace him long term. They boast a promising young infield with shortstop Zach Neto, 24, first baseman Nolan Schanuel, 23, and have welcomed top prospect Christian Moore, 22, to man second base, but have no long-term solution at third.”
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