With the trade deadline just a few short days away, the Mets are set to kickoff a series with the San Diego Padres at Citi Field. These upcoming games could decide how hard the Mets push to acquire a big bat by Friday afternoon.
Four games out of the second wildcard spot and just two behind the division leading Nationals, this weekday series could ultimately decide if Sandy Alderson and his Mets are ready to go all in. Should the team remain where they are in the standings or possibly inch closer to a playoff spot, Alderson should be willing and ready to add a big piece for the stretch run. With players like Jay Bruce, Geraldo Parra, Carlos Gomez, Justin Upton, and Yoenis Cespedes all known to be available, there are no shortage of options for the Mets GM to consider.
However, if the team shows poorly against the struggling Padres and falls further in the standings, Alderson may be content to let the season play out with the roster as currently constructed. In this case, Sandy would reason that mortgaging the future in a futile attempt to make up a large amount of ground wouldn’t be wise. Especially in the case of players like Upton and Cespedes, who are set to hit the open market in the winter.
With the path of the season possibly hanging in the balance, the Mets will send Noah Syndergaard up against James Shields and the Padres tonight with first pitch set for 7:10 PM.
