Mariners: Possible trades in dealing away Jake Fraley

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 11: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Jeff McNeil #6 of the New York Mets connects on a first inning single against the Baltimore Orioles at Citi Field on May 11, 2021 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Orioles 3-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Mets: 35-25 – 22nd in outfield WAR via Fangraphs – WRC of 97
Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, Dominic Smith, Kevin Pillar

I’m not going to be the one to tell Kevin Pillar he might have to sit. The dude broke his face, then took his bloodied bat back up to the plate once they let him play again, and hit two home runs with it. Michael Conforto is supposed to be their outfielder of the future, so I don’t see him moving either.

However, this team has far and away been the most injured outfield in all of baseball. They need talent, and the Mariners can give them some, even though they are going to have to give up a bit in return.

The trade is highlighted by Jeff McNeil. He is an instant upgrade for the Mariners, and would be an incredible piece to add to the team. He is having a bit of a down year this year, but had a slash line of .319/.383/.501 over the three prior years. Getting McNeil would make the Mariners offense a top ten in the majors, and provide a formidable challenge to anyone facing them.

Coming along with him would be Khalil Lee. He struggled in a recent call-up with the Mets, but is a former top prospect, and would be a nice addition to the team. In fact, he would likely take a place in the outfield in a limited role with the departure of Fraley and Trammell.

We are trading away two good outfielders, but getting an all-star level second baseman back. We also clear up the catcher log jam, and for the second trade in a row, are moving Sheffield.

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