The New York Mets finished the first half just a half-game back of the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East and in sole possession of the second NL Wild Card spot.
New York begins a key series at home against the Cincinnati Reds to start the second half on Friday. The team will have some needs to address at the trade deadline.
The deadline is now less than two weeks away, and New York could use some help in their bullpen. A late-inning arm to go with All-Star closer Edwin Diaz could give them a boost.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report listed the Los Angeles Angels best trade chips and listed the Mets as a potential landing spot for left-hander Reid Detmers.
“Richard Lovelady (6 G, 8.10 ERA) and Brandon Waddell (9 G, 3.86 ERA) are the only lefties in the Mets bullpen right now, and neither is viewed as a high-leverage option. Detmers could slot in alongside Ryne Stanek, Reed Garrett and Edwin Díaz in the late innings,” Reuter wrote.
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The 26-year-old left-hander is 3-2 with a 4.15 ERA in 40 appearances and has recorded two saves. After struggling as a starter, he has transitioned into a relief role quite nicely.
Granted, the Angels aren’t out of the picture yet, and could end up being buyers rather than sellers. But if they sell, Detmers is a prime candidate to be moved as a rental reliever.
Detmers is a free agent at the end of the year, and rental pitching comes in high demand at the trade deadline, so the Mets might have to give up a key prospect or two.
But perhaps playing for a team that is firmly in the race could give Detmers a little bit of a boost down the stretch.
It will be interesting to see where the Mets land in their search of bullpen help.
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