No team should focus solely on Kevin Pillar acquiring former players from specific teams to improve their roster. The New York Mets’ recent acquisitions of several former Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees were driven by their availability and Manager Carlos Mendoza’s familiarity with players like Harrison Bader and Luis Severino. Similarly, David Stearns’ experience with Adrian Houser and Tyrone Taylor made sense for a Mets team facing a lot of 40-man roster vacancies.
Kevin Pillar
As the trade deadline approaches this year, the Mets might coincidentally target more ex-Brewers or Yankees, and they could even explore trades involving former Atlanta Braves players.
The Braves, who currently do not hold a secure grip on the top Wild Card spot, present an opportunity for the Mets to gain ground and shift momentum. Securing a trade for some of these former Braves could be a strategic move to help New York close the 4-game gap to the top Wild Card spot.
Kevin Pillar, who has previously played for both the Braves and the Mets, is a valuable trade asset this season. With the Los Angeles Angels, Pillar is having a solid year, batting .290/.340/.476 with 6 home runs in 156 plate appearances. His earlier stint with the Chicago White Sox, where he batted .160/.290/.360, can be disregarded as an anomaly. Pillar’s performance against left-handed pitchers is particularly impressive, boasting a .368/.411/.618 slash line in 73 at-bats.
For the Mets, Pillar’s right-handed bat would be a significant asset, especially given their current outfield dynamics. With Starling Marte sidelined, the Mets’ outfield situation is complicated. Jeff McNeil and Tyrone Taylor have struggled against lefties, with McNeil hitting .250/.290/.352 and Taylor at .188/.222/.290. Conversely, Taylor has fared better against righties, hitting .250/.300/.450, whereas McNeil’s numbers against righties are less impressive at .208/.274/.329. If adjustments are to be made, McNeil is more likely to find his rhythm against right-handers.
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