Proposed trade with New York Mets would send outfielder to Atlanta Braves

The New York Mets are in a prime position to sell at the deadline. Even though the way the season played out is unfortunate, changes need to be made.

In fact, the situation might even have positive aspects. Owner Steve Cohen indicated he was willing to spend during the 2024-25 offseason to try to build a competitive team that could compete for a World Series.

Having prospects to trade, who the Mets would land if they sold, could also come back to help them in the offseason.

Signing free agents will be the No. 1 step to their future success, but having a mobile prospect is just as important as anything else.

In a surprise trade proposal from FanSided’s Mark Powell, New York would send Harrison Bader to the Atlanta Braves for two prospects.

The Mets would receive Darius Vines and Lucas Braun, two right-handed pitchers.

“The trade within the NL East isn’t ideal for either side, but it’s a better deal for the Mets because Bader is likely to leave in free agency after the season, especially if he continues to hit big from home plate,” Powell wrote.

Moving Bader wouldn’t be a surprise. He is an elite defensive outfielder and has been helpful at the plate this season, hitting .272/.317/.376. While he won’t give the Braves the production that Ronald Acuna Jr. would have given them had he not been injured, few players in baseball will.

Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller ranked Bader 30th on his MLB trade deadline “big picture.”

“The glove work alone should make Bader an intriguing target for some teams, but he’s also having a more productive season at the plate than has been the case in recent years. Granted, ‘more productive’ means a 100 OPS+ up from 85 in 2022 and 69 last year, but he’s both reaching base and stealing them at a decent rate.

“He could go to a competitor and be a daily fixture on 8 holes while occupying 8 (CF) in the scorebook.”

New York and Atlanta don’t typically make trades, but with the position the Mets are in, they need to take the best package possible in each scenario. If this is the program that helps them improve in the future, this is the one to put in place.

The July trade deadline raises many questions for the front office to answer.