The New York Mets must decide whether they will buy or sell ahead of the trade deadline, as they currently sit last in the National League East, though recent momentum has improved their outlook.
New York has won seven of its last 10 games, including a three-game winning streak sparked by the promotion of top prospect A.J. Ewing. If that momentum continues, team president David Stearns is expected to look for ways to strengthen the roster.
While the offense averages just 3.74 runs per game and could use improvement, SNY’s Chelsea Janes suggests the Mets are more likely to focus elsewhere.
She notes that the arrival of Ewing, the emergence of Carson Benge, and the eventual return of injured hitters could reduce the need for an external offensive upgrade.
Instead, New York is expected to prioritize bullpen help. The team already added closer Devin Williams, who has struggled at times with a 5.27 ERA in just over 13 innings, though he has recently settled in by not allowing a run over his last seven appearances.
Even with Williams improving, the bullpen still needs depth. Janes points to Toronto Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman as a potential target.
The former All-Star closer lost his role due to inconsistency, and Toronto could consider moving him if the right offer comes along.
Hoffman would likely draw interest across the league, but the Mets could be well-positioned to make a competitive offer, especially since the Blue Jays are in need of starting pitching.
New York has already used eight different starters this season, giving them potential trade depth, including veterans like Sean Manaea, who could be part of a package to land Hoffman along with a prospect.
Meanwhile, the Mets may also face a future roster challenge in the outfield. With Ewing and Benge establishing themselves, playing time could become crowded once Luis Robert Jr. returns from injury.
Juan Soto currently anchors the group, though he could shift into a designated hitter role, despite previously expressing a preference to play the field daily.
It remains unclear whether New York would consider moving Robert Jr. to fully commit to its emerging young outfield core.
