KEY POINTS

  • Cabrera could be an option for the Mets before the MLB trade deadline
  • The Venezuelan is seen as nothing more than a short-term fix
  • The Diamondbacks may move almost anyone on the roster

The New York Mets loom as one of the potential MLB teams to watch and take in some familiar faces.

One name that has been suggested is Asdrubal Cabrera of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who signed a one-year $1.75 million deal with the team last winter.

But at 35, any potential deal is branded as nothing more than a rental. The Diamondbacks are one of the teams likely to move players by the July 30 MLB trade deadline.

With Cabrera’s lack of long-term control, a move could go down in the coming weeks, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported.

An MLB trade would also make sense between the Mets and D-Backs. Cabrera is a former Met who had played for New York from 2016 to 2018 before he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Also worth pointing out is that Cabrera had a good stint with the Mets at that time. He continues to perform above average even at his age although injuries have started to set in.

So far, the Venezuelan player has hit .251/.348/.402 with five homers over 210 plate appearances this season. That is good for a 106 wRC+ and OPS+.

However, it is worth noting is that Cabrera isn’t making much hard contact. He only has a .304 xwOBA, well below his .322 wOBA.

His 12.4% walk rate is the largest of his 15-year MLB career. But a reason behind this may be because pitchers are trying to avoid him than any particular newfound patience at the plate.

For the Mets, going after Cabrera is not an immediate need. He is unlikely to become a regular contributor.

But this depends on the status of Jonathan Villar and J.D. Davis, who are both on the injured list.

Asdrubal Cabrera #14 of the Arizona Diamondbacks
Asdrubal Cabrera #14 of the Arizona Diamondbacks Getty Images | Thearon W. Henderson

Villar could be activated soon, while Davis is a defensive question mark currently on a minor league rehab assignment.

At best, he would be suited at third base although New York could use him in the outfield if they choose to do so.

Depending on those adjustments, Cabrera could be an option. He and Villar could share time as a switch-hitting platoon at third base and provide depth all over the infield.

Cabrera has played all three other infield spots almost exclusively since the start of the 2019 season.

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