Brad Hand, Philadelphia Phillies. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Mets could look to make some upgrades before the trade deadline, but three players already within the NL East could help them out.
The New York Mets are a team that is bound to make the playoffs this season. They are 47-29 and just half of a game back of the Dodgers for the best record in the National League.
However, as with every team, there are some areas where they could use some upgrades and some of their NL East rivals could help them out. The Braves are the only other team in the division that looks poised to make the playoffs as the Phillies have been floating around .500 and the Marlins and Nationals will not be close to postseason play.
Which three division rivals should the New York Mets try to trade for before the August 2 trade deadline?
New York Mets: 3 division rival trade targets
1. Philadelphia Phillies reliever Brad Hand
The bullpen has been pretty good for the New York Mets overall in 2022. They have a 3.70 ERA on the season, which is 13th in baseball but they have faltered a bit lately (4.13 ERA in June, which was 19th). Part of their problem is that they don’t have a reliable left-handed reliever.
Joely Rodríguez has a 4.76 ERA in 28 games while walking nearly six batters per nine innings. Chasen Shreve has an ERA of 6.58 in 24 games.
Phillies reliever Brad Hand has been good for them on the season and he has experience closing as well.
In 31 appearances, he has a 2.31 ERA with two saves on the season. The Mets are also familiar with Hand since he pitched for the club last year to end the season. Between the Nationals, Blue Jays, and Mets, he had a 3.90 ERA in 68 games. He had a 2.70 ERA in 16 games with the Mets.