NY Mets: Top 3 Players Who Must Be Traded At The Deadline

The 2024 New York Mets don’t know how to play to win. It’s clear that most players don’t even put in max effort. From a lack of focus and motivation both, it sends fans a clear message- winning isn’t on anyone’s mind, and losing is just fine. Here’s 3 players who must be traded at the trade deadline.

3. Pete Alonso, first baseman.

This could very well be a controversial take. Alonso, 29, is a three time All-Star and a two time Home Run Derby champion. Statistically speaking, Alonso has given the Mets five years of excellence.

He’s played 6 seasons in MLB. Alonso has a 17.6 career WAR. He’s hit 204 home runs and 524 RBIs, batting .249 with a .339 OBP.

Alonso had a historic rookie season. He hit 53 home runs and 120 RBIs, batting .260 with a .358 OBP.

Alonso didn’t follow up those same numbers each year, but he’s done amazing regardless.

However, this season, it is a far cry from the Alonso the Mets know.

As of yesterday, a pending hand MRI will determine whether Alonso’s hand is broken. The slugger seemed to have faded into the distance regardless this year. This injury spells trouble for the Mets and the star both.

In 2024, Alonso has a 0.4 WAR, having hit 12 home runs and 26 RBIs, batting .231 with a .308 OBP.

It’s evident that something is off. It’s to be noted that Alonso has decided to test free agency this off-season. While he remains a client of Scott Boras, he looks to seek out a mega deal over more than 7 years. He recently turned down an offer from the Mets for 7 years, amount unknown, as per insiders.

So does this make him trade bait? My question is, why wouldn’t he be? The organization had opted for a younger approach and a rebuild. Finalizing that would include sending Alonso packing and in return getting 3 good prospects for one player who’s barely contributing as of late.

For a player of Alonso’s caliber, it’s underwhelming to see his decline this year. Having a player who was projected to have a career best year simply underperform in nearly every category hurts. It not only hurts the fans, it makes the team appear lifeless. The team has many solid players. Alonso is a great player. He’s replaceable, however, and the Mets should commit to a rebuild by letting Alonso go at the deadline.

2. Fransisco Lindor, shortstop.

This one is going to get some potential readers in a frenzy. I get it, Lindor was paid a huge contract in 2021, and despite a lackluster first year in Queens, he’s done well otherwise.

So one might ask what am I am getting at here.

I’m going to have to say, exactly how I feel about Alonso is how I’m beginning to feel about Lindor. Both are great leaders, great clubhouse guys. It’s fun to see their smiles. However, smiles aren’t winning ballgames, and it’s a business at the end of the day. If you’re not coming through offensively and the struggles persist, it’s not that the fans don’t like you, but Mets fans are disappointed. I happen to think highly of Lindor. The issue remains I like his attitude and demeanor more than his offensive and defensive abilities. One may argue that former Mets SS Rey Ordonez was a better defensive player than Lindor, and I’m willing to die on that hill. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Lindor is a natural at shortstop. Sometimes, the defense is a little sloppy and while great plays are still a part of Lindor’s game often enough, Ordonez was exceptionally gifted at his craft.

I personally would absolutely hate to see Lindor go. If the Mets got better and the return was significant, hey, it’s for the best interest of the team. You root for the team logo on the front, not the names on the back. Keep that in mind.

1. Jeff McNeil, Second Baseman.

I could go on and on about Mets who have been a one hit wonder. In 2022, Jeff McNeil won the National League batting title.

Every other year simply has been a huge disappointment, in my eyes at least. I can’t fathom how one as hot headed and controversial as McNeil isn’t upset at how bad the team is playing. McNeil is a fiery man, and he’s known to blow up. His recent early in the season near altercation with Rhys Hoskins seemed to wake the team up temporarily.

McNeil, 32, is simply taking up space on the roster at this point. This 2024, the second baseman has a -0.2 WAR. He’s hit 3 home runs and 14 RBIs, batting .229 with a .302 OBP.

That’s laughable.

I’m not saying I could personally do better, because I can’t. However, what I can do better is motivate my teammates and not fight about whether I saw a rat or a raccoon, which we all know was not what happened that day. Let’s just be honest here.

These Mets have to have a wake up call. The level of play is appalling and absolutely despicable. It’s time to trade these 3 players at the trade deadline.