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Giants: Five more potential “bad contract” trade ideas

By Marc Delucchi

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 12: J.A. Happ #34 of the New York Yankees warms up prior to the start of game one of a double header against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 12, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 12: J.A. Happ #34 of the New York Yankees warms up prior to the start of game one of a double header against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 12, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas /Getty Images)
Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas /Getty Images) /

New York Mets: IF Jed Lowrie, OF Yoenis Cespedes

Earlier this offseason, I proposed a blockbuster trade that would give the Mets their replacement for Zack Wheeler, the Rangers a new first baseman, and the Giants some young talent at the cost of taking on Yoenis Cespedes‘ contract

That idea still stands, but New York has reportedly been shopping another bad contract over the past few days:

The Mets signed Jed Lowrie to a two-year, $20 million last offseason, but he managed just seven at-bats in his first season in New York while dealing with injuries. Meanwhile, a number of younger players emerged in his absence.

While his situation is similar to Cozart’s in that both are coming off an injury-plagued 2019, Lowrie was an All-Star the last time he played everyday. The question is whether Lowrie, who will turn 36 in April, can be expected to do that again.

A switch-hitter capable of playing of playing all over the infield, Lowrie has been a very good rotational piece over his 12-year career. If healthy, he could be a huge upgrade for the Giants at second base.

You might be worried about an overcrowded infield with Brandon Crawford, Zack Cozart, Evan Longoria, and Brandon Belt already on the team before we even talk about prospect Mauricio Dubon. However, the focus of these trades is on acquiring prospects.

It’s also worth noting that Longoria could become an intriguing trade target for teams that miss out on bigger fish like Anthony Rendon and Josh Donaldson in free agency.

Outfielder Brandon Nimmo has been the center of trade talks surrounding Lowrie and Pirates center fielder Starling Marte. He would be a fantastic fit for the Giants, but I don’t see the Mets moving him in a contract dump unless it is part of an elaborate three-team trade with Pittsburgh that brings Marte to New York.

I do think any of the pieces I mentioned in my Cespedes proposal (Dominic Smith, Shervyen Newton, or Franklyn Kilome) do make sense.

Kilome, who is a low-floor, high-ceiling pitching prospect returning from Tommy John surgery, might be the best fit.

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