The New York Mets are rebuilding, meaning they won't be buying or selling as the Trade Deadline approaches. With just a couple of days left before the non-waiver deadline is up, Marlon Byrd is drawing a lot of attention and has been involved in many trade rumors. General manager Sandy Alderson, says the Mets will not move their outfielder unless they are "overwhelmed" by an offer.
Byrd has been a marvel in the Mets' lineup this season. He's in the midst of a career year, following a 50-game suspension for the use of PED's in 2012; Byrd has once again made himself a relevant player in Major League Baseball. He could probably help a lot of teams like the Texas Rangers or Pittsburgh Pirates, but Alderson likes Byrd in his lineup and in the Mets' outfield.
So far in 2013, Byrd is on pace to shatter his previous season highs. He's scored 45 runs, hit 17 home runs, driven in 57 runs, all while posting a triple slash of .282/.326/.518. His previous career highs are 84 runs, 20 home runs and 89 RBI.
Moving Byrd seems like the logical thing for the Mets to do. As mentioned above, the Mets are trying to rebuild. Teams might overbid for Byrd since he's been so productive in New York this season. As a result, the Mets could end up grabbing a mid-tier prospect that can develop into something special. For Alderson, a practicioner of Money Ball, the farm system and bargains are the best way to build a team. The Mets have a history of loading up their roster and after this season, they will have plenty of money to spend, but Alderson will look to do it wisely.
Many fear that the Mets will simply let Byrd walk after Scott Hairston walked away from the team. However, if Alderson is keeping Byrd, it seems as though they could use him as a building piece for the future despite being 35 years of age.
The Mets are currently in fourth place in the N.L. East with a 45-53 record.
