The New York Mets completed their first trade of the pre-deadline period.
No, they didn’t make a win-now move: they instead “sold” a veteran to a contender.
Yes, that’s right: the Mets are not only 48-54 and virtually out of the playoff picture, but they have decided they will have a few pieces available for teams that are actually competing.
In all fairness, it’s probably the right call at this point.
The Mets won’t actually rebuild: it will be more of a retooling process with the goal of getting back to contention next year.
Still, that doesn’t take away how disappointing 2023 has been for the franchise.
They entered the year with World Series dreams and instead are fourth in their division with a sub-.500 record.
One of their players, outfielder Mark Canha, summed up the current situation with a sad-but-true line.
“Mark Canha: ‘We probably should have played better earlier if we wanted to be buyers instead of sellers,'” Mets insider Anthony DiComo tweeted.
Mark Canha: "We probably should have played better earlier if we wanted to be buyers instead of sellers."
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 28, 2023
Well, yes, Canha is right.
If anything, the Mets can greatly improve their farm system in the upcoming days.
They got two really good prospects from the Miami Marlins in the Robertson trade.
Canha is actually a candidate to be traded himself.
In fact, most players with at least moderate value who hit the market this year or next should be available for trade.
That might or might not include aces Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.
NEXT: MLB Insider Uses The Mets To Highlight 'Upside Down' 2023 Season
