The New York Mets have already made one trade for an All-Star outfielder this offseason, but they could benefit from adding one more proven outfielder.
The Mets acquired Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox earlier this offseason. While Robert helps the outfield, the Mets still have a huge question mark in left field. Carson Benge is an option, but are the Mets to be taken seriously as contenders with an unproven rookie as the best option in left field?
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller suggested the Mets swing a trade for Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins, and proposed this trade package to get it done:
Mets receive: OF Byron BuxtonTwins receive: RHP Jonah Tong (MLB No. 46 prospect) and 1B Ryan Clifford (Mets’ No. 6 prospect)
Buxton is a two-time All-Star, Gold Glover, Platinum Glover and Silver Slugger. Like Robert, he has dealt with injuries. However, he played great last season. Buxton slashed .264/.327/.551 with 35 home runs in 126 games. He has three seasons left on his seven-year, $100 million deal.
During the All-Star break, Buxton said he would not waive his no-trade clause and wanted to stay with the Twins for the rest of his career. However, after the Twins sold off their other stars at the trade deadline, The Athletic’s Dan Hayes reported in November that Buxton “may reconsider his stance for certain clubs if the Twins continue breaking up their roster.”
For much of the offseason, the Mets had been seen as a disappointment due to their lack of moves. However, after adding Bo Bichette and Luis Robert Jr. in a short span, the view has shifted. Adding Buxton would make the Mets’ offseason a huge success and give them a roster capable of making a deep run.
Tong has reportedly been off limits for the Mets in trade talks this offseason, but for a player like Buxton, with club control, they may reconsider.
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