Ian Kennedy, Texas Rangers, New York Mets. (Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)
The New York Mets need to make a few deals to ensure themselves of an NL East crown.
Though they have been the best team in the division throughout, the New York Mets need to make a few acquisitions to ensure themselves that they will be winning the NL East this season.
While the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals have admitted defeat heading into the trade deadline, the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies are still trying to convince themselves they can win the division. Since only one of these five teams will be playing in October, the Mets need to do whatever is necessary to improve their roster to keep the Braves and Phillies at bay.
Here are three players the Mets need to consider acquiring with the trade deadline approaching.
New York Mets: 3 players they need to acquire at the deadline to win NL East
3
Ian Kennedy
RHP Texas Rangers
Ian Kennedy will help make the Mets’ strong bullpen even more formidable
While the Mets do have a strong bullpen, you can never have enough good arms to help shorten games, especially when the starting rotation has been in a bit of flux in recent weeks. One veteran right-hander who should be available at the trade deadline is Ian Kennedy of the Texas Rangers. Texas is going nowhere, and the Rangers already dealt Joey Gallo to the Five Boroughs anyway.
On the year, Kennedy has a 2.51 ERA and a 1.052 WHIP in 32.1 innings pitched. He has saved 16 games in 32 appearances while striking 35 batters to only seven walks. The 36-year-old is on an expiring contract but has pitched well enough this season to be of great value to a contending team like the Mets. He will be a half-season rental, but his addition to the bullpen would help.
Though the Mets have other areas they could look to improve over their bullpen, why would you not want to augment a strength when you have the chance to do so? Texas may want more than the Mets will be willing to offer in a deal for Kennedy, but if New York does not add him, then some other team will. New York cannot afford to see Kennedy go play for another NL East contender.
Kennedy is not a player that will move the needle, but he will make the Mets better upon arrival.