The New York Mets have a team that can make a run to the World Series. However, they will need to address some flaws near the trade deadline.
The Mets could be in the market for a new designated hitter option near the trade deadline. With Jesse Winker on the injured list, the team has not gotten much production from the DH spot. Winker was platooning with Starling Marte, but the Mets may want a better right-handed option to split time with Winker.
FanSided’s Noah Wright suggested the team trade for Athletics’ outfielder Miguel Andujar to serve as their right-handed DH option. Andujar is in his ninth season and is making just $3 million this year.
“Andujar has primarily been used in left field,” wrote Wright. “However, he’s starting to see playing time at the hot corner again. He hasn’t taken the field as a third baseman since 2021, and hasn’t done so for at least 50 innings since his rookie year. He has still not been good in the field, with -3 DRS and OAA at third base, with zero DRS and -2 OAA in left. According to Statcast, he has the worst route running and the sixth worst jump on flyballs among all qualified outfielders this season. However, his poor defense is a reason why he’d make a good Starling Marte replacement.”
Andujar has played for the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and Athletics in his career. In 2018, with the Yankees, he finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year race. Since then, he has not played in more than 80 games in a season, but he has had a resurgence for the Athletics.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
Over the last two seasons, he has hit .294 in 111 games. He could be a great option for the Mets against left-handed pitching as they try to make another deep postseason run. Marte is not a reliable option, and Andujar would be a cheap addition.
More MLB: Dodgers ‘in play’ to add superstar free agent after $600 million update
