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The New York Mets have lost eight of their last nine games, dropping three series in a row, and a surprising decision made it clear that they won’t hesitate to shake things up.
The team demoted former top prospect Francisco Alvarez on Sunday as he suffered major setbacks in offensive and defensive production this year. And that might not be the only change on the way.
“By demoting young catcher Francisco Alvarez on Sunday, the New York Mets showed that if there are places where they can improve, they will look to address them, even if it means making an uncomfortable decision,” Will Sammon wrote for The Athletic. “With the trade deadline less than six weeks away, the Mets also might need to address an area at which they seemingly have a surplus of young players — the infield.”
Between Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña, the Mets have several intriguing options around Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso in the infield, but none of those younger players have really emerged as clear big-league roster staples. The eventual return of third baseman Mark Vientos, who is currently on the injured list, will complicate the situation further.
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And while the Mets will probably prioritize an additional arm or two at the trade deadline, Sammon believes the team is likely probing an infield trade as well.
“Pitching may end up being the priority, but it is not out of the question for the Mets to explore infield help, too,” he wrote. “At the very least, the Mets are probably evaluating the situation. It’s up to the Mets’ young players to save them from making a move.”
With the trade deadline only a few weeks away, the trio of young Mets infielders might only have a few weeks to seize their opportunity for regular playing time on a playoff-bound roster.
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