As the MLB trade deadline nears, the New York Mets are starting to turn the corner. Even with the series loss against the San Diego Padres, the offense and some pitching haven’t looked half bad. New York is recently coming off a seven-game win streak, and much of the reason isn’t just because of the Fab Four, but also because of a seasoned veteran.
Mets’ Veteran is Creating a Spark on Offense
Starling Marte Is Starting to Balance the Lineup
For much of New York’s horrid 10-20 stretch, the Amazins lacked lineup production, especially from the end of the lineup. After the first four hitters, the Mets’ lineup died in effectiveness, as young players and struggling veterans attempted to right the ship for New York. However, one player has been getting things done ever since his return from the IL: Starling Marte.
Marte this season has only played in 62 games, but has hit .287 with four home runs in that limited action. The veteran has added average, speed, and even some power to a team that lacks that in the middle of the lineup. The Mets don’t have any players other than Marte who are batting above .280, which may show a big issue. Batting Marte fifth or sixth has proven to be a big blessing for New York. Marte has added something that can make the Mets a major threat this season.
The End of the Mets Lineup Is Starting To Heat Up
Another massive thing that has happened since the All-Star break for New York has been production from the Mets young stars. This includes Ronny Mauricio, who has six home runs in just 37 games. Bret Baty, who has 11 home runs and has played great defense. In addition to these players, both Mark Vientos and Francisco Alvarez have done pretty well in July. With Alvarez providing a big energy boost after returning from Triple-A.
All in all, if the end of the lineup does well, including Marte, the Mets become very dangerous. The Amazins already have a great top of the order, with the first few batters being among the best in the league. If the whole lineup can get going, then it will be tough to stop the Mets. Marte and the kids have added something that New York has dearly needed since the beginning of June, some weight to balance the lineup as a whole.
A Trade Could Make New York the Best Team in the League
One thing that has been interesting to see this season is the lack of the top power in the league. Not many teams have been able to remain the number one team in the league. If New York can make a trade that involves some underlying positions, mainly center field, then New York could easily become the best team in the league.
As has been said often, the Mets beginning of the lineup is amazing, and the lineup as a whole is good. However, if New York wants to have a lineup that is unstoppable, then the trade deadline should be New York’s number one priority. The Mets already are good, and players like the veteran Marte and others have proven that well this season.
However, with the deadline coming up, the Mets may need not just to get good, but also get great. Overall, the Mets this season have been inconsistent. Much of the issue hasn’t been the lineup. However, at times, the lineup has not helped an already bad situation, and sometimes the lineup itself is the bad situation. Finally however, the Mets have got help. Marte and the kids have arrived and are providing the answer New York needs.
Main Image: David Frerker-Imagn Images
