David Robertson is gone, who's next? 4 Mets players who could be moved by trade deadline
NEW YORK — If the Mets were looking to bolster their minor-league system, it appears they're on their way of doing that.
The team traded David Robertson, its best reliever this season, to the Miami Marlins on Thursday night, according to multiple reports.
In exchange, they received two minor leaguers: infield Marco Vargas and catcher Ronald Hernandez from Miami's farm system.
At six games under .500 following Thursday night's 2-1 win over the Washington Nationals, the Mets know they have an uphill battle in front of them to try and enter the playoff discussion in the National League. Entering Thursday's game, FanGraphs gave them a 13.7 percent chance of making the playoffs.
The Mets have built their future around the likes of Brandon Nimmo, Francisco Lindor and Edwin Diaz, all who figure to be in Flushing into the next decade. But if the Mets are looking to add some more potential for down the road, teams will be lining up to try and grab the services of a few more veterans on shorter-term deals.
With Robertson gone, here are four other Mets players who teams could be seeking to acquire by Tuesday's trade deadline:
Tommy Pham
Any contending team looking to add an offensive punch to its outfield would be suited to add the services of Pham, who is having one of the best seasons at the plate for the Mets in 2023.
Pham, who signed a one-year, $6 million deal in the offseason, leads the team with a .813 OPS in 76 games, providing nine home runs, 35 RBI, 15 doubles and 11 stolen bases. The 35-year-old right-handed hitter played his way into a starting corner outfield role this season.
Pham has recently missed some time as he dealt with tightness in his groin, but never landed on the injured list.
Mark Canha
Buck Showalter delivered a glowing endorsement of Canha after he made three outfield assists over the weekend at Fenway Park. The Mets manager called it a "great example of why people like having Mark Canha on their team."
The veteran outfielder is the consummate pro who can provide another versatile weapon for a team at the trade deadline. Canha has played each of the corner outfield spots as well as first base this season.
He took a small step back offensively this season, slashing .237/.337/.376 with six home runs, 28 RBI and 27 runs. Canha's contract includes a $11.5 million club option for 2024.
Omar Narvaez
For any team looking to add a catcher at the deadline, the Mets have one who could fill a starting role in Narvaez. The emergence of Francisco Alvarez in his rookie season has put a dent into the contributions that Narvaez, who missed more than two months with a calf strain, has made for the team.
Narvaez has played in just 21 games this season, chipping in one home run, four RBI and six runs, but he has still proven to be an offensive upgrade over last season's unit in limited time, and his reputable receiving skills precede him.
Narvaez, who signed a two-year deal in the offseason, has a $7 million player option for 2024.
Brooks Raley
The Mets southpaw reliever could net a solid return in prospect capital with his two-year, $10 million contract that includes a $6.5 million club option for next season.
Raley has been the Mets' most dependable reliever next to Robertson this season. In 43 games, the 35-year-old has posted a 2.57 ERA (161 ERA+) with 38 strikeouts in 35 innings and a 1.26 WHIP. Righties are batting .177 against him, compared to lefty's .250 average.
The Mets would assuredly like to hold on to one of their best relievers for another season, but he might be one of the team's most valuable chips.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Mets trade rumors, news: Who will be moved at MLB trade deadline?