

He is a constant home run threat and also provides some speed, as he led the NL in steals last year and has 17 this year. Still, Story could be a solid rental pickup for the Mets if they don’t give up too much. Once Lindor is back, he would probably need to play another position, a gamble the Mets many not want to take. Story would fit at short temporarily for the Mets while Lindor is on the injured list. If the Mets trade for him, however, it would likely be as a rental, with Francisco Lindor ensconced at shortstop for the Mets for the next decade.
NEW YORK METS SHORTSTOP FREE
Like Bryant, Story will be a free agent this offseason. Despite those struggles, his status as an All-Star caliber player makes him an attractive target for many teams with the Rockies out of the NL West race. 240/.312/.421, all well below his career averages. He has 12 homers and 46 RBI, but his slash line is. The Colorado Rockies shortstop is not having his best season in 2021. This would likely depend partly on his performance, but also on the team’s willingness to continue spending big. His upcoming free agency would give the Mets a choice to extend him or let him walk in the offseason. The excitement of being on a playoff contender once again could provide Bryant a further jolt offensively. Adding Bryant would give the Mets’ lineup some much-needed power, and he remains a reliable glove at the hot corner.
NEW YORK METS SHORTSTOP UPGRADE
The former NL MVP would fit in nicely at third for the Mets and would be an upgrade over current third baseman Jonathan Villar. Bryant, due to his impending free agency, has generated significant trade interest around the majors, including from the Mets. However, his resurgence has not done much for the fortunes of the Chicago Cubs, as a late June and early July swoon left them well behind in the NL Central race and cemented their status as deadline sellers. 856 this year, much closer to his prior season outputs. Kris Bryantīryant has enjoyed a bounce back year after struggling during the abbreviated 2020 season.

However, depending on their faith in closer Edwin Diaz, a play for Craig Kimbrel could also enter into the realm of possibility. On the bullpen front, the Mets are thought to be in the market for affordable middle relievers. If they decide to add pitching help, they are more likely to pursue rental starters than potential long-term additions. Two of the biggest names currently floating around the rumor mill who fit that bill are Kris Bryant and Trevor Story. Assuming the Mets remain buyers at the deadline, their biggest need is another bat to inject life into their offense.
