Max Kepler of the Minnesota Twins. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
The New York Mets enter the 2023 season as one of the favorites to win the World Series. With an already stacked roster, could these three additions make those odds even stronger?
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has not been afraid to open his wallet this offseason, bringing new faces such as Justin Verlander and Kodai Senga to Queens while retaining key pieces from last year’s roster such as Edwin Díaz and Brandon Nimmo.
However, with the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies lurking in their own division, as well as NL powers such as the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres expected to make noise in the postseason, how could the Mets improve the roster even more? Let’s look at three players who could make a big difference in 2023.
Mets rumors: Trade for Max Kepler
Daniel Vogelbach is expected to slot into the lineup as the designated hitter again this season, but bringing in someone like Kepler could not only give the Mets options at that position, but also help in right field as well. Kepler could serve as a platoon piece, something like what is expected of Tommy Pham after the Mets recently inked him to a deal. Pham brings an option from the right side of the plate, while Kepler would bring in another left-handed bat.
With the 29-year-old Kepler in the final year of his deal, the Mets could land him in a trade, then see if they want him to be a part of their fabric moving forward. With Starling Marte, Mark Canha, and Pham all in their age-34 season, Kepler could also bring some younger legs to the outfield when needed.