OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 30: Zach Jackson #61 of the Oakland Athletics pitches during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at RingCentral Coliseum on April 30, 2023 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Reds 5-4. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
MLB Rumors: NY Mets should trade for Zach Jackson or Matt Duffy
The New York Mets are six games out of the NL East race, and if they can turn things around by the trade deadline, there are plenty of worthwhile additions they can make without breaking the bank.
One of those could be Zach Jackson of the Oakland Athletics. Jackson is one of the better relief pitchers in the American League, and he’s still in his pre-arbitration years, which makes him inexpensive for Steve Cohen. Jackson could cost a significant amount in prospect capital. He has several years left on his contract and the A’s need to sell. As the Athletics head to Vegas (or stay in Oakland, depending on who you ask) they want someone to market. Jackson won’t be it.
If the Mets feel confident enough in their bullpen as-is without Edwin Diaz, then perhaps Matt Duffy makes sense. Duffy can play second base, third base or the outfield. As the poor man’s Jeff McNeil, Duffy has played in 21 games and hit rather well. This Mets team lacks depth, and that’s exactly what a player like Duffy can bring them at a rather cheap rate. FanSided’s John Frascella outlined this need just a few weeks ago:
“The Mets’ depth is currently shallow, so Duffy looks like a potential fit in more ways than one, especially with his ability to plug into virtually any lineup on a given day at a variety of positions.”
Clearly, the Royals will be selling.