When Asdrubal Cabrera returned from the disabled list on June 23, the New York Mets were at a low point in their season. They dipped to ten games below .500 after a series sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team reportedly intended to listen to trade offers for many of their contract-year players, Cabrera included. The shortstop expressed displeasure at being shifted to second base, and declared “if they [Mets] don’t have any plans for me, I think it’s time to make a move.”
The 31-year-old was struggling at that point, to the tune of a .220 batting average with 20 runs batted in and six home runs. Now, less than two weeks later, Cabrera’s production has skyrocketed. In eight games since his trade request, he has batted .394 with two home runs and five multi-hit games. On Saturday, Cabrera capped off his own bobblehead night with a two-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies.
“I’ve got my mind here,” Cabrera told reporters after the team’s 7-6 victory on Saturday. ““If we keep doing what we’re doing right now, we’re going to be fine.”
“I knew when he got out there he’d settle in and play very well,” Terry Collins said of Cabrera’s improved play. “I’ll tell you, if we get him hot, we’re going to have a good finish.”
Cabrera’s recent hot streak could certainly help the Mets to a strong finish. At the same time, one cannot ignore that his improved play has increased his trade value. This presents a critical decision for the Mets. Should they hold onto Cabrera, and hope that his offense helps keep their minuscule playoff hopes alive? Or should they trade him now while his value is (arguably) at its highest?
The Mets have gained ground in the NL East and Wild Card races over the past week, suggesting they are not ready to wave the white flag on the season. The Mets have a huge opportunity to inch closer to the division-leading Washington Nationals when the two rivals begin a three-game series on Monday. The outcome of that series could influence whether the Mets choose to deal Cabrera or any of their other impending free agents.
Amed Rosario looks ready to fill in at shortstop, should Cabrera leave New York, or cool off from his hot streak. Despite Rosario’s strong season, Sandy Alderson remains committed to keeping his prized prospect in the minors.
“We’re playing well,” Alderson said on Friday. “If we’re playing well, there’s no real urgency to bring him up.”
To be fair, Alderson did offer one exception.
“If we get another two months into the season…and things haven’t gone as well as we hoped, maybe the future is now.”
All in all, Cabrera’s situation could be a win-win for the Mets. If he stays hot, he only increases his trade value. If he struggles, that will only expedite Rosario’s promotion to the major leagues.
Jesse Andreozzi is s staff writer for Outside Pitch Sports Network covering the New York Mets. Follow him on Twitter @Jesse_Andreozzi
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