The New York Mets aren't competing, but they have interesting pieces they can sell high. With their payroll basically disappearing in 2014, the Mets will have a chance to start shopping around as the trade deadline is less than two weeks away. How does trading Marlon Byrd and going for Alex Rios sound?
Byrd has been a revelation, assuming that he's doing it clean. So far in 2013, Byrd is hitting .271/.316/.502 with 15 home runs and 51 RBI in 79 games played this season. The last time Byrd hit 15 home runs in a season was as a member of the Texas Rangers in 2009. He's always been a decent hitter, but the power has been a sweet surprise, especially after struggling in 2012 and being accused of using PED's.
Though Byrd is long past his prime, the Mets could move the right fielder to a contender, taking advantage of his surge. As ESPN reports, Byrd will be owed less than $280,000 for the remainder of the season, which is pocket change for major league teams.
Moving Byrd would leave a vacancy in right field, cue in Rios, who is currently with the Chicago White Sox. He has been the subject of multiple trade rumors as the deadline nears. Rios possesses the ability to play defense and provide offense for any team. So far in 2013, Rios is posting the following numbers: .270/.326/429 with 11 home runs and 40 RBI. Last year, Rios emerged once again as one of the better outfielders in baseball hitting a career-high 25 home runs and driving in 91 runs. Along with the power this year, Rios has 19 stolen bases, well on his way to surpass the 23 he stole last year.
The Puerto Rican will be a solid bat to keep around David Wright, who stands out like a sore thumb in the Mets' lineup since the team lacks run producers. Plugging Rios into the lineup can help things flow. Daniel Murphy provides a solid bat that's locked up until 2016 at the least. Ruben Tejada isn't the biggest or fastest player, but his defense guarantees the shortstop can at least hold a spot in the roster. His hitting is a bit streaky, but when Tejada is on, he also provides a decent bat in the lineup. He is locked up until 2017.
Contractually speaking, the Mets are only tied down to Wright and Jonathon Niese, totaling $25.5 million. In 2014, including arbitration, the Mets' total payroll will not exceed $85 million. Rios will be owed $12.5 million in 2014 and a team option for $13.5 million with a $1 million buyout, which can increase $14 million and $2 million respectively, in 2015 if he is traded during 2014. He's a decent option and since there won't be right fielders available in the free agent market who can hit 20 home runs, steal 20 bases and drive in around 80 runs worth around $30 million for two seasons, Rios looks like a decent pickup.