The New York Mets have been one of the most aggressive teams this offseason, and they're not showing signs of slowing down. After a flurry of high-impact moves-including the headline-grabbing addition of Bo Bichette-the Mets are clearly in win-now mode.
But with a crowded infield and a few question marks in the outfield, there’s still room to fine-tune this roster. One name that could help make that happen?
Brett Baty.
Baty, once seen as a cornerstone of the Mets’ infield future, suddenly finds himself without a clear role. The arrival of Bichette, plus the presence of other infield options, has made the 26-year-old more expendable than ever.
And that opens the door for a potential trade-one that could bring back a player who fits the Mets’ current needs like a glove. Literally.
Enter Wilyer Abreu.
In a proposed one-for-one swap, Baty would head to the Boston Red Sox, with Abreu coming to Queens. On paper, it’s a clean deal-both players are 26, both are pre-arbitration, and both are under team control for four more seasons. But dig a little deeper, and the fit becomes even more compelling.
Let’s start with Abreu. He’s coming off a breakout season in Boston, where he posted a 3.2 bWAR, launched 22 home runs, drove in 69 runs, and slashed his way to a .786 OPS and a 116 OPS+ across 115 games.
Those are strong numbers, especially when you factor in his defensive prowess. Abreu just secured his second consecutive Gold Glove, and he’s quickly establishing himself as one of the most reliable two-way outfielders in the game.
For the Mets, that kind of profile is exactly what they need. With questions about Carson Benge’s readiness to handle a full-time role in the outfield, Abreu would bring stability, pop, and elite defense to a unit that could use all three. And with the Mets already pushing their chips in with the additions of Bichette, Freddy Peralta, and Luis Robert Jr., this is the kind of move that keeps the momentum going.
On the flip side, Baty makes a lot of sense for Boston. The Red Sox are in the market for infield help after losing Alex Bregman to the Cubs, and Baty offers upside with a bat that still has breakout potential.
While his 3.1 bWAR over three seasons doesn’t match Abreu’s output, the tools are there. Boston could give him the runway to develop without the logjam he faces in New York.
This kind of deal isn’t just about filling holes-it’s about maximizing roster value. The Mets would be turning a surplus asset into a player who fills a clear need, and the Red Sox would be doing the same in reverse. It’s the type of baseball trade that just makes sense for both sides.
If the Mets have the chance to pull the trigger on this swap, it’s hard to see a downside. Yes, they’d be giving up a young, controllable infielder in Baty. But the return-an everyday outfielder with power, speed, and Gold Glove defense-is exactly the kind of addition that could push this team from contender to legitimate threat in the National League.
The Mets have already made big moves this winter. A trade like this would be another step toward building a roster built not just to compete, but to win right now.