The New York Mets are seemingly done making big moves this offseason as they have filled their most glaring roster holes.
New York had a busy week in January that saw the team acquire their starting third baseman (Bo Bichette), frontline starting pitcher (Freddy Peralta) and starting center fielder (Luis Robert Jr.). Those voids have been filled, but signing Bichette has created a good problem to have if you’re the Mets.
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Infielder Brett Baty is without a starting spot and is currently expected to be a utilityman if he isn’t moved, but speculation of a trade has increased in recent weeks. Baty can play the corner infield, second base and the corner outfield positions and he is drawing interest for his versatility.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield drew up a trade proposal that would send Baty to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for two-time Gold Glove-winning right fielder Wilyer Abreu.
The fit makes a lot of sense for both teams. Since Baty lost his starting role on the Mets and the Red Sox need a third baseman, he would fill the void left by third baseman Alex Bregman, who signed a five-year deal with the Chicago Cubs earlier this offseason.
Baty had an all-around career-year, posting seven defensive runs saved (four at third base, three at second base) as well as hitting 18 home runs with 50 RBI while slashing .254/.313/.435 over 130 games. Across the board, Baty showed great improvement and just turned 26-years-old.
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Why would the Red Sox trade their back-to-back Gold Glove winner who is better than Baty offensively? Simply for the same reason the Mets are entertaining moving Baty. The Red Sox have four starting outfielders and want to play Roman Anthony in the right field.
Anthony took the baseball world by storm when he came up to replace an injured Abreu. In 71 games, Anthony hit eight home runs with 32 RBI and slashed an impressive .292/.396/.463.
Given the ages of Boston’s starting outfielders, it would make more sense to trade left fielder Jarren Duran and hold onto Abreu, but for a multitude of reasons, Abreu is who would entice the Mets more.
However, Schoenfield broke down why each team might be hesitant to accept this offer. For the Mets, they may be comfortable with top outfield prospect Carson Benge playing in the big leagues. Juan Soto is also penciled in to play right field, and he prides himself on his defense, so manager Carlos Mendoza seems set on leaving the superstar out there.
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For the Red Sox, they have several infielders who can play second and third base. Schoenfield also mentioned how Boston is lefty-heavy and would rather have a right-handed bat in the middle of the lineup.
Despite the reasons why this trade could be declined by both teams, it would improve both rosters ahead of spring training.