Mets blockbuster trade idea brings $90 million Red Sox star to Queens | Net News
Mets blockbuster trade idea brings $90 million Red Sox star to Queens image
The effects of Alex Bregman signing with the Boston Red Sox could spread outside the Massachusetts state line.
Because Bregman is bound to start every game for the Red Sox as long as he’s healthy, there are good Red Sox players who could be available in trades. One of those players might eve be a fit for the New York Mets.
If Bregman takes over third base from Rafael Devers, the latter will likely become the full-time designated hitter. That role is currently held by Japanese slugger Masataka Yoshida, who has been good, not great in his two years in Boston.
Yoshida’s five-year, $90 million contract is something of an albatross for a DH without much power. But the Mets, who have nearly unlimited spending power, could be an interesting landing spot for Yoshida if they believe he’s an upgrade over Jesse Winker or Starling Marte.
On Thursday, Sportsnaut’s Jason Burgos discussed Yoshida’s fit as a blockbuster trade candidate for the Mets.
“If (Yoshida) is on the trade block, he might be a player worth considering for the Mets. Mainly if the Red Sox are willing to take Marte — a player who is an injury waiting to happen — or McNeil — a former batting champion who seems to be in a steep decline — back in the deal,” Burgos wrote.
“He has better-hitting numbers than both Marte and Winker. He could be a younger and better left fielder than the 36-year-old. Or an upgrade at DH over Winker who has been a journeyman player his entire career.”
Mets fans came to love Winker in his half-season in Queens, but contracts aside, Yoshida’s offensive ceiling in 2025 is probably a bit higher. He’s a .285 career hitter with just 25 home runs in two seasons, so if his power ticks up to where it was expected to be coming out of Japan, his OPS+ could skyrocket past 120.
Though it might be a longshot that the Mets would consider taking on any of Yoshida’s contract when they already have Winker, it’s at least worth a conversation if the Red Sox call.
